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Another easy win, title shot next
Muhammad defeated Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) at UFC 288 on Saturday in Newark, New Jersey.
ANALYSIS
UFC President Dana White stated before the fight that winner here would get the next shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship, and that's certainly not going to change given how dominant Muhammad looked in this fight. Yes, Burns was compromised following an apparent late Round 1 shoulder injury, but Muhammad, who agreed to this fight just a few weeks ago, dominated from bell-to-bell. Belal's takedown defense is legendary, and he stuffed all four of Gilbert's takedown attempts. That allowed Muhammad to overwhelm Burns on the feet to a tune of 132-81 edge in total strikes landed. Belal's cardio is exceptional, he's tough as nails, and has zero holes in his game. He's a legitimate title contender at 170 pounds. Muhammad hasn't lost since January 2019, a span of ten fights. He's 9-0 (1NC) in that span, with the no-contest coming against current UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards in March 2021 right before Leon won the belt.
UFC President Dana White stated before the fight that winner here would get the next shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship, and that's certainly not going to change given how dominant Muhammad looked in this fight. Yes, Burns was compromised following an apparent late Round 1 shoulder injury, but Muhammad, who agreed to this fight just a few weeks ago, dominated from bell-to-bell. Belal's takedown defense is legendary, and he stuffed all four of Gilbert's takedown attempts. That allowed Muhammad to overwhelm Burns on the feet to a tune of 132-81 edge in total strikes landed. Belal's cardio is exceptional, he's tough as nails, and has zero holes in his game. He's a legitimate title contender at 170 pounds. Muhammad hasn't lost since January 2019, a span of ten fights. He's 9-0 (1NC) in that span, with the no-contest coming against current UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards in March 2021 right before Leon won the belt.
Announced as co-main event May 6
Muhammad will fight Gilbert Burns in a co-main event at UFC 288 on May 6, Aaron Bronsteter of TSN.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
Muhammad last fought Oct. 22 when he defeated Sean Brady via TKO (punches) in the second round. His counterpart will be entering the Octagon for the second time in a month after he took down Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters are looking to get their shot at a title opportunity, and the winner could likely be in line for one versus either Leon Edwards or Colby Covington, should they end up fighting next for the Welterweight belt.
Muhammad last fought Oct. 22 when he defeated Sean Brady via TKO (punches) in the second round. His counterpart will be entering the Octagon for the second time in a month after he took down Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters are looking to get their shot at a title opportunity, and the winner could likely be in line for one versus either Leon Edwards or Colby Covington, should they end up fighting next for the Welterweight belt.
Upsets Sean Brady in Abu Dhabi
Muhammad defeated Sean Brady via TKO (punches) at 4:47 of Round 2 at UFC 280 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
Muhammad continues to go about his business, garnering nowhere near as much respect as he deserves while taking out quality fighters at 170 pounds. Knowing he would have to remain upright in order to compete against Brady, Muhammad stuffed all five of his opponent's takedown attempts. That allowed him to eventually overwhelm Brady on the feet in the closing seconds of Round 2 en route to the win. The victory would go on to earn him one of two $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded on the evening. Belal is now undefeated in his last nine fights (8-0, 1NC). His last four victories have come over Brady, Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Demian Maia. Muhammad's recent body of work may very easily put him in position for a No. 1 contender fight his next time out. He's been that good.
Muhammad continues to go about his business, garnering nowhere near as much respect as he deserves while taking out quality fighters at 170 pounds. Knowing he would have to remain upright in order to compete against Brady, Muhammad stuffed all five of his opponent's takedown attempts. That allowed him to eventually overwhelm Brady on the feet in the closing seconds of Round 2 en route to the win. The victory would go on to earn him one of two $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded on the evening. Belal is now undefeated in his last nine fights (8-0, 1NC). His last four victories have come over Brady, Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Demian Maia. Muhammad's recent body of work may very easily put him in position for a No. 1 contender fight his next time out. He's been that good.
Facing Brady in October
Muhammad will face off against Sean Brady at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 22, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Muhammad last fought in April when he defeated Vicente Luque via unanimous decision to remain unbeaten over his last eight fights (7-0, 1NC). He'll look to extend the streak against Brady, who currently boasts a 5-0 record with the UFC after defeating Michael Chiesa in November of 2021.
Muhammad last fought in April when he defeated Vicente Luque via unanimous decision to remain unbeaten over his last eight fights (7-0, 1NC). He'll look to extend the streak against Brady, who currently boasts a 5-0 record with the UFC after defeating Michael Chiesa in November of 2021.
Gets revenge on Vicente Luque
Muhammad defeated Vicente Luque via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Muhammad gets his revenge on Luque, who knocked him out in 79 seconds in the first bout between the two way back in November 2016. This was a typical Muhammad fight. His wrestling was on point, his cardio was excellent and he was able to survive whatever his opponent threw at him on the feet. Belal was wobbled at times after a few massive shots from Luque, but Muhammad seemed to be able to pick up a massive takedown whenever he needed it. He was credited with 5-of-10 attempts, good for 7:29 worth of control time. The fact Muhammad was able to put forth such a strong effort despite fasting the past couple weeks due to the Muslim holiday of Ramadan makes the performance all the more impressive. Belal is unbeaten in his last eight fights (7-0, 1NC), and although the early portion of that streak came against lesser fighters, Muhammad has now picked up back-to-back victories over Luque and Stephen Thompson. The soon-to-be 34-year-old is closing in on title-implicating fights at 170 pounds.
Muhammad gets his revenge on Luque, who knocked him out in 79 seconds in the first bout between the two way back in November 2016. This was a typical Muhammad fight. His wrestling was on point, his cardio was excellent and he was able to survive whatever his opponent threw at him on the feet. Belal was wobbled at times after a few massive shots from Luque, but Muhammad seemed to be able to pick up a massive takedown whenever he needed it. He was credited with 5-of-10 attempts, good for 7:29 worth of control time. The fact Muhammad was able to put forth such a strong effort despite fasting the past couple weeks due to the Muslim holiday of Ramadan makes the performance all the more impressive. Belal is unbeaten in his last eight fights (7-0, 1NC), and although the early portion of that streak came against lesser fighters, Muhammad has now picked up back-to-back victories over Luque and Stephen Thompson. The soon-to-be 34-year-old is closing in on title-implicating fights at 170 pounds.