Khabib Nurmagomedov is often considered a once-in-a-generation type of athlete by many experts and veterans. However, former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo has picked similarities between ‘The Eagle’ and Belal Muhammad under several parameters.
Having beaten Gilbert Burns at UFC 288, ‘Remember The Name’ Belal Muhammad is expected to earn a title shot against Leon Edwards at UFC 300. It is still not official but the speculations and rankings cite Muhammad as the legitimate contender for the 170 lbs gold.
He is reportedly training in Dagestan with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammates to prepare for the bout. That said Henry Cejudo went on to explain how Belal Muhammad is similar to ‘The Eagle’.
Cejudo said, “They kind of do the same cross-steps. They kind of run and shoot. They do the same kind of feints with the lead hand to eventually level change for the takedown”
Current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is often considered the successor to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy. They both have been trained by the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. They have become P4P No.1 fighters in the UFC while holding the 155 lbs title. However, Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have different fighting styles.
Although they share the same wrestling roots, Makhchev appears a better striker than his mentor. Per Cejudo’s explanation, Belal Muhammad is the closest thing to Khabib’s fighting style.
Can Belal Muhammad Become a Legend Like Khabib Nurmagomedov?
23-3 (1 NC) as a pro, Belal Muhammad has scored 9 wins since his last loss to Geoff Neal in 2019. If he earns a title shot at UFC 300, Muhammad would be one victory far from holding the UFC world title like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Upon becoming a champion, Muhammad needs to defend the belt three times to match the numbers of Khabib’s UFC title reign. He can surpass that possibly too.
However, Belal Muhammad is nowhere close to becoming a PPV attraction or superstar like Nurmagomedov. He is also not undefeated. Muhammad first needs to establish himself as a big name before making big financial numbers like Khabib. Hence, he is s till at a far distant from touching the Dagestani star’s legacy.
