Belal Muhammad Trains with Khabib's Team in Dagestan
In a move that signals his deep commitment to evolving as a mixed martial artist, UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad has joined forces with the renowned team of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in Dagestan. With his sights set firmly on the UFC welterweight championship, Muhammad is preparing to face current titleholder Leon Edwards, and he believes that training in the grappling-rich environment of Dagestan will give him the edge he needs.
A Storied Training Ground
Dagestan has become synonymous with producing some of the most formidable fighters in MMA history, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and the rising star Islam Makhachev. The region’s success in the sport can be largely attributed to the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who established a rigorous training system that has consistently churned out elite competitors.
Muhammad shares a managerial connection with Nurmagomedov, which has undoubtedly facilitated his integration into the Dagestani training camp. This is not Muhammad's first foray into the Dagestani fighting scene; he has previously trained there, experiencing significant improvements in his performance afterward. By returning to Dagestan, Muhammad aims to further refine his grappling skills under the tutelage of those who have mastered the art.
Training Philosophy: Intensity and Discomfort
The intensity of the regimen in Dagestan is well-known, and Muhammad is no stranger to its demands. He compares the challenging training sessions there to his regular drills back home, noting a stark difference in the level of discomfort he faces. "I'm planning for sure to go to Dagestan and train with those guys. Those guys don't let you take any days off or any easy rounds. That's always perfect for me," said Muhammad, emphasizing the relentless nature of their practice.
He elaborated on the differences, stating, "A lot of their stuff that we do when we go live or we go hard is like we're working. Over here, I do a lot of specific drilling with my team, my guys here. When it's over there, I've got to be ready to go. I've got to be ready to be in shape. It's an uncomfortable feeling. A lot of these guys, they're not who I'm with every single day."
Unfinished Business with Edwards
The upcoming bout against Edwards is not just another fight for Muhammad; it's a chance to settle unfinished business. Their previous encounter in March 2021 ended in a No Contest due to an accidental eye poke. Since then, both fighters have been on impressive streaks, with Muhammad going undefeated in his last ten fights and Edwards securing victory against Colby Covington at UFC 296, extending his own unbeaten run to thirteen.
With both fighters maintaining such dominant performances, a rematch seems inevitable. While there has been no official announcement, Edwards has hinted at defending his title at the milestone event of UFC 300. Should this rematch materialize, it will provide Muhammad with the opportunity to showcase his growth since their first clash and prove his prowess as a top-tier welterweight.
Muhammad expressed confidence in his development as a fighter, saying, "Honestly, I think it will really wake people up to how good I am. Watching how much I've grown since that first fight, the different styles because I've leveled up so much."
Conclusion
As the potential showdown at UFC 300 looms, all eyes are on Belal Muhammad and his preparation for what may be the most defining fight of his career. Training in Dagestan with Khabib Nurmagomedov's esteemed team is a testament to Muhammad's dedication to his craft and his willingness to push beyond comfort to achieve greatness. If history is any indication, the grueling sessions in the mountains of Dagestan could very well forge the next UFC welterweight champion.