“I’m also smart”- Belal Muhammad cites Khabib Nurmagomedov’s philosophy that helped him win against Vicente Luque
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Khabib Nurmagomedov & Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad in the last weekend’s card proved to the MMA world that he is one of the most underrated fighters in the division. Coming in as a big underdog to clean out a smooth decision, Belal has most certainly climbed his way up the ladder in the division. This win was well needed for the fighter, to finally beat an opponent so high in the ranking, not to mention, that beating the fighter who once beat him 5 years ago is a clear sign of his progress and what he lacked in his career.
Belal has a lot something in common with one of the greats of the sport, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both of the fighters are wrestling heavy, beard and promulgate similar values and morals. Belal has shown immense respect for the Khabib Nurmagomedov. Muhammad trained in the Khabib’s fighter’s camp during his preparations for his fight against Leon Edwards.
When asked about his experience with the same, he responded, “Honestly it was amazing. I started this camp over there, I was there for 10 days down there with him [Khabib Nurmagomedov] and his team. He’s such an icon, a huge mentor for any Muslim fighter, or if you’re a Muslim in general. Just to see the way he holds himself the whole way. The way that the whole world sees him as such a humble guy and he’s truly that even in person.”
Belal is amongst many other fighters who admire and respect Khabib. He further stated, “Being able to actually train and move and learn from him was even better too because you’re learning from the G.O.A.T. You’re learning from the Michael Jordan of your sport. Khabib’s still in his prime. He’s not like he fell off or anything like that. He’s a beast and I got to roll with him, got to train with him, and got to get under his coaching”.
Belal Muhammad reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s assessment of his style and his opinion on the fight
In an interview with Marc Raimondi for ESPN MMA, Belal disclosed his assessment of the fight. Belal stated, “Yeah, I mean, some people just literally want you to stand up from each other until somebody dies, but for me, I already like, like Khabib says, like I already know I’m tough. I already know I can take punches.”
He added, “I already know I can sit there and bang if I have to bang, but, I’m also smart. And I think that separates me from a lot of these guys, where I know how to break down guys, I know how to analyse how to win a fight, I know how to see what their weaknesses is and figure out a game plan to come up with to beat them.“
Belal was number 6 in the ranking prior to the fight, it will indulge him in the top 5. Making him eligible to be next in line for the title fight. This is very exciting for the fans and amusing for Belal as it opens up great matchups against him in such a deep division.
Also read:- Legendary Russian fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov walked out with the Ukraine flag in his fight
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