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Belal Muhammad’s rise to UFC welterweight champion wasn’t just about talent—it was a battle against the odds, perseverance, and self-doubt. At 36, Muhammad finally achieved his dream by capturing the welterweight title in a rematch against Leon Edwards at UFC 304. But what fans didn’t see was the emotional rollercoaster he rode behind the scenes, contemplating retirement if he had come up short.
“It was to the point in my head where I was looking at it like, if I lost, there’s a chance that I’m just like, bro, I’m hanging ‘em up because I’m not gonna get another shot at it,” Muhammad revealed on The Fighter & The Kid podcast.
Muhammad’s journey to the top was far from smooth. Despite a 10-fight unbeaten streak, his path was interrupted by a no-contest against Edwards in March 2021, casting doubt on his title aspirations. The road was so grueling that Muhammad found himself pleading for opportunities—a humbling experience for a fighter of his caliber.
“I’m begging you guys to make a video for me to hype me up and get a shot there. I hate asking people for anything, but I’m just like, bro, I need—I’m so desperate to do whatever it takes to get this shot that I’ll try anything,” Muhammad confessed, highlighting the frustration that comes with being overlooked in a stacked division.
When the rematch with Edwards finally materialized, Muhammad was ready to make the most of it. Surprisingly, what should have been the most pressure-filled moment of his career turned into his calmest. The fight against Edwards in Manchester was almost serene for Muhammad, a stark contrast to the stress he felt leading up to the Gilbert Burns fight, which he took on just three weeks’ notice.
“I just felt so calm fight week… There’s nothing else to fear. I got what I’ve been working for and now we’re free so we can just let loose in the cage,” Muhammad said, reflecting on the sense of liberation he felt once the long-awaited opportunity arrived.
Now, as Muhammad looks ahead to his first title defense, the question of who will challenge him looms large. Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated super-contender, and former champion Kamaru Usman are both in the mix. While Usman’s legacy as one of the greatest welterweights adds weight to his case, Rakhmonov’s unbeaten streak makes him a formidable contender.
“Usman has the legacy, right? He was the guy Dana White said is better than ‘GSP’ [Georges St-Pierre]… Nobody deserves a title shot, right? So, I’m willing to fight any one of them,” Muhammad stated, emphasizing his readiness to take on whoever steps up.
Whether it’s Usman or Rakhmonov, Muhammad is eager to return to the octagon in December, this time with the confidence of a champion who knows just how hard he fought to get there.
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