Belal Muhammad is the welterweight champion of the world.
However within the eyes of many, he’s merely preserving the belt heat. Headlining UFC 315 this weekend, “Bear in mind the Title” appears to keep away from changing into “Bear in mind the Anonymous” and never develop into a one hit marvel of a champion.
In his manner is Jack Della Maddalena, the brand new technology of welterweight fighters. Muhammad has ousted the previous, Leon Edwards. With a win, he can set up dominance over the brand new and solidify himself not as a fluke, however because the rightful king of 170.
The disrespect to Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad successful the title was a very long time coming. After his loss to Geoff Neal in January of 2019, Chicago Battle Crew’s contender would go on a monstrous tear. This tear would go into UFC historical past books as one of many longest.
The names grew to become constantly higher: Curtis Millinder, Takashi Sato, Layman Good, and Dheigo Lima. He was then booked for a chance to battle Leon Edwards. As everyone knows, an egregious eye poke later, Muhammad couldn’t proceed. No contest was declared however Muhammad wouldn’t be deterred.
The names solely acquired higher and higher identified: Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, Sean Brady, and Gilbert Burns. Regardless of Edwards’ greatest efforts, Belal Muhammad grew to become plain.
Conquering the king
In contrast to the 2’s first assembly, Belal Muhammad would problem Leon Edwards for the title now held by Edwards. Muhammad dominated the battle and took residence the title, an unthought of feat. He was the king. However that’s not what was cried by the MMA devoted.
“Leon Edwards has regressed.”
“He was a fraudulent champion.”
“It was 5am native time!”
Something however, “Belal Muhammad beat Leon Edwards.”
If Muhammad loses this weekend, these cries from his detractors will solely develop louder. Simply look to Bo Nickal’s loss this previous weekend. Jack Della Maddalena could be higher than the 36-year-old Muhammad.
Make no mistake about it, Belal Muhammad earned the title. Now he should defend it.
