Israel Adesanya predicted that the previous 170-pound king, Leon Edwards, would leave as champ at UFC 304. Moreover, he also predicted Edwards would finish Belal Muhammad. However, the Palestinian fighter outclassed Edwards like no one expected and became the new UFC welterweight champ. “Bully B” now has a fan in Izzy.
Adesanya is infamous for going the distance on petty beef with previous opponents. However, ‘The Last Stylebender’ is also a big believer in the manifestation of destiny. Hence, Israel Adesanya gives props when it’s due. After his title-winning performance, Belal Muhammad received heavy praise from Izzy in a sitdown with Oscar Willis. Now he reposts and doubles down on the sentiment on X. A caption read:
Hi…My name is Israel and I approve this message.
Israel Adesanya via X (@stylebender)
Adesanya, a friend of Edwards who shares the same management team, naturally expected him to win. Muhammad has had a reputation for being a decision merchant. However, UFC 304 saw ‘Remember the Name’ shocking everyone. He outboxed Edwards, outwrestled him, and even spiked him in an overthrow. He showed massive signs of improvement in becoming the champion.
Israel Adesanya isn’t the only doubter Muhammad proved wrong. Now that he is the first Palestinian champion out of his corner of the world, Muhammad will aim to keep it so. Israel and Palestine might not go together well on paper, but in combat sports, one has resonated with the other. Muhammad has his share of rivalry build-ups, though.
Kamaru Usman fires back at Belal Muhammad over recent squabble
Belal Muhammad took the 170-pound throne at UFC 304 this past month with quite a dominant performance. Though a sizable underdog, Muhammad, 36, pulled through, defeating Leon Edwards via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).
Kamaru Usman rips ‘inferior’ Belal Muhammad (Source: X)With an 11-fight unbeaten streak, it’s the longest active streak in the division right now, per the record books. He has improved to 14-1 with one no-contest in his past 15 fights dating back to 2017 at UFC on ESPN+ 1. Muhammad’s win over Leon Edwards caught the attention of ‘The Nigerian Nightmare,’ who called dibs on facing him as a path back to the title.
However, Kamaru Usman and Muhammad have scuffled a lot in online posts since then. Now, Usman rips him in a piercing reply as he hopes to work his way back to championship status through him.
My man, you’re kind of a not-so-good version of myself…You’re kind of a — everything he does, I do better. He’s like, ‘Oh, I did what you couldn’t do: I beat Leon Edwards.’ I have a win over Leon Edwards, and in the second fight, I dominated Leon Edwards until lightning struck and he landed the kick…
Kamaru Usman via ShadowLion’s “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo” Podcast
Kamaru Usman goes in on Belal Muhammad 😳
“My man [Belal], you’re kind of a not so good version of myself… everything [Belal] does, I do better.
I have a win over Leon Edwards, and in the second fight I dominated Leon Edwards until lightning struck…
Becoming a new champion… pic.twitter.com/H7Z4G8KSGI
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 15, 2024
Usman had a dominant reign as the champion. However, he fell prey to Edwards in shock KO, which Muhammad now takes a jibe at. Usman mocked that being a champion is like tasting a first-ever beer. Suddenly, one finds themselves recklessly mocking everyone. In plainer words, he warns him that he’s coming for the gold. As such, this build-up can be one intense affair.
