Belal Muhammad is the brand new UFC welterweight champion, one thing the oddsmakers didn’t see coming. However maybe what’s most stunning is how he bought it completed.
Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) pulled off the upset by taking the UFC welterweight belt from Leon Edwards this previous Saturday in the principle occasion of UFC 304 in Manchester, England. He did so by out grappling Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC), but in addition out placing him – which left many in awe.
Earlier than the occasion, Muhammad and particularly his boxing coach Horacio Gutierrez bought numerous warmth for some daring claims. Within the first UFC Embedded episode for UFC 304, Gutierrez mentioned that they had improved Muhammad’s boxing and gotten him a Mexican fashion much like the legendary Canelo Alvarez and Juan Manuel Marquez.
“We went viral,” Gutierrez instructed MMA Junkie in Spanish. “The second that clip got here out on UFC’s Embedded, we went viral for that remark. Such as you mentioned, no one believed us that Belal may beat Leon Edwards together with his arms. Leon Edwards is among the finest, if not the perfect striker within the division, and but I mentioned that with all the arrogance.
“I used to be certain of what I used to be saying due to the work we put in. I noticed Belal’s arms and the way he labored on them each single day, how he was touchdown, and the way he was sparring. I didn’t say that simply to speak, and we confirmed that within the cage. Belal linked with far more pictures, and his jab was unbelievable. His arms actually had been key in getting us this victory.
“Leon Edwards ready to defend the takedowns as a result of he knew that was coming, however he by no means imagined that Belal was going to get him in bother on the toes, after which the takedown would come simple. It was very satisfying. Now I’m getting memes from folks evaluating Canelo and Belal, however in a constructive method. Now they imagine. We’re going to maintain working, there’s loads to enhance, however we’re pleased with our work.”
Gutierrez, a former UFC fighter who shifted his focus to teaching, was delighted to see Muhammad lastly obtain his dream of changing into a UFC champion. Gutierrez, together with the workforce at Valle Move Hanging in Chicago, couldn’t be happier for Muhammad.
“I’ve fought within the UFC, however this can be a totally different feeling,” Gutierrez mentioned. “When somebody you care a few ton is combating, somebody you’ve spent a lot time with, you get much more nerves as a result of you’ll be able to’t do something. You’re not the one combating in that cage. All you are able to do is maintain your thoughts clear, so you’ll be able to assist get the win.
“It was unbelievable. There was a distinct sort of nerves as a result of we had been combating for a world time, and it was my first UFC championship combat that I cornered. It was totally different, however we dealt with it very nicely. I knew he had received as soon as the combat was over. I assumed he received 4 rounds, at worst three, so we had been simply ready for the choice. Once they lifted his hand and mentioned, ‘And new,’ it was an unbelievable feeling I can’t clarify.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 304.
Take a look at the Hablemos MMA YouTube channel for Spanish-language movies and interviews with MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura.
You should definitely go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.
