Belal Muhammad credits Khabib Nurmagomedov for UFC title win

Khabib Nurmagomedov played a much bigger role in helping guide Belal Muhammad to his first UFC title without even knowing it.

UFC 304 in Manchester, England was a special night for the relentless grappler. Not only did Muhammad capture his first UFC title, but he did so by beating Leon Edwards — a man previously unbeaten for almost a decade.

‘Remember the Name’ put on an all-time dominant display, executing a wrestling-heavy game plan for the entire 25 minute affair. 

While Belal Muhammad deserves a large amount of credit for his performance, Khabib Nurmagomedov must also be praised. According to Muhammad, studying film on Khabib could have been the deciding factor in his successful showing last time out.

‘The Eagle’s brilliant display against Edson Barboza played a huge role in the newly-crowned UFC welterweight champion’s win over Leon Edwards.

“So all fight week, all I was watching was Khabib against Barboza,” Belal Muhammad revealed. “That was my fight to watch.”

“That was my mindset. I take that mindset from watching a fight. I never like to watch my opponent [during] fight week.”

“But, I’ll watch guys in ways I want to fight them. So, I watched Khabib against Barboza probably like 75 times.”

ICYMI: Belal Muhammad's (@bullyb170) exclusive first interview after his #UFC304 win with @jon_anik and @kennyflorian as well as @remembertheshow co-host @bostonanik. https://t.co/L6w3HTnAbc pic.twitter.com/b7Z0lJhs5l

— Anik & Florian Podcast (@AnikFlorianPod) August 28, 2024

Related: Daniel Cormier dominates Khabib Nurmagomedov in leaked training footage

Khabib Nurmagomedov has been an inspiration to many and has helped mold numerous champion’s across the sport of mixed martial arts.

After looking better than he ever has before — with some credit going to Khabib — Belal Muhammad now has a target on his back.

The welterweight division is stacked full of hungry contenders and Muhammad is now the head of the table.

While nothing has been confirmed, Shavkat Rakhmonov looks to be the front runner for the next shot at the 170 lbs crown.

Alongside Rakhmonov, both Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington have set their sights on Belal Muhammad’s title.