Belal Muhammad finally received his well-deserved title shot against Leon Edwards. Now, he is pulling no punches in the mental warfare against Edwards, both literally and figuratively. The outspoken contender has concocted a game plan to systematically break the champion’s spirit over the course of their rematch.
MMA Junkie recently interviewed Belal Muhammad. He is set to face Edwards at UFC 304. Muhammad outlined his multi-pronged strategy of physical and psychological torment. As per him, this is designed to reduce the Brit to a shell of himself by the fight’s end.
I think that I’m gonna rock him really early and then I’m gonna take him down. I could finish him with a TKO but I’m just gonna let him back up. Then I’m gonna look to his coach and I’m gonna tell his coach yo, give him some motivational words. Let him man up, hurry up.
Belal Muhammad via MMA Junkie
Muhammad’s sadistic plan doesn’t end there. He revealed that when Leon Edwards‘ esteemed coach Dave Lovell is at a loss for words, he will pounce. Dave Lovell is the man credited with inspiring his fighter’s heroic UFC 278 comeback against Kamaru Usman. Belal Muhammad said that only after thoroughly demoralizing Edwards and his corner would he finally attempt the finish.
Muhammad’s mental torture includes repeatedly allowing Edwards to harbor hopes of survival, only to snatch them away. He wants to break Edwards and his team by repeatedly crushing their hopes. Muhammad’s plan of attack is a masterclass in waging psychological warfare. Even if he fails to secure a TKO or submission, the mental strain of his sadistic strategies could leave Edwards a shell of himself by the fight’s end. On the other hand, it could just blow up in his face.
Belal Muhammad believes Leon Edwards has a weak mentality
Belal Muhammad has launched a scathing verbal assault on champion Leon Edwards. This comes after his title fight against Edwards was announced at UFC 304. Muhammad, never one to mince words, branded Edwards as “mentally weak” and “easily broken.”
Belal Muhammad says Leon Edwards is mentally weak (via MMA Fighting)The title contender believed Edwards made a massive misstep by delaying their rematch for so long. He felt that the lengthy wait had only allowed him to sharpen his tools and study Edwards’ flaws intensely. Muhammad stated that Edwards was very weak-willed and had to get motivation from outside sources.
He’s got weak mentality. He’s not strong enough to go in there and figure it out on his own. Once he starts getting on his back foot, he starts breaking. Once he starts getting taken down, he starts breaking. Once he starts getting hit, he hates it.
Belal Muhammad via MMA Fighting
Muhammad saw Edwards’ recent struggles against elite wrestlers like Usman as a glaring vulnerability. Only time will tell if Muhammad can back up his brazen words when he steps into hostile territory to challenge the reigning British champion.
