Belal Muhammad has credited Khabib Nurmagomedov’s presence and wisdom as pivotal in his rise to becoming a UFC champion.
The welterweight titleholder has trained with Nurmagomedov’s team on and off, which is also why “The Eagle” does not want Islam Makhachev to fight him for the 170-pound gold.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Backstage Advice Gave Belal Muhammad a New Mindset
During a recent appearance with Yaqeen Institute, Belal Muhammad reflected on a defining moment backstage before a key fight, where Khabib Nurmagomedov was in his corner. According to Muhammad, the advice from “The Eagle” had a profound emotional impact.
“The first time Khabib cornered me, he was so calm in the back room,” Muhammad recalled. “He was smiling and saying, ‘Brother, you worked hard. Now it’s up to Allah. If he wants you to win, you’re gonna win. If not, then there’s a reason for it.'”
Muhammad described how that moment gave him clarity. “And it just put a sense of confidence inside of me where it just frees you — free yourself from the result. I’m not afraid of getting embarrassed, I’m not afraid of losing or getting beat up.”
Rather than obsessing over victory, he said he could fight more confidently and with purpose.
Belal Muhammad dropped a line that hits harder than any punch — Free yourself from the result 🧠🥊
"The first time Khabib cornered me, he was so calm in the back room. He was smiling and saying, 'Brother, you worked hard. Now it's up to Allah. If He wants you to win, you're… pic.twitter.com/XPrrbL1JKZ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 30, 2025
Georges St-Pierre Weighs In on Belal Muhammad Ahead of UFC 315
As Belal Muhammad prepares to defend his title for the first time against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in Montreal, he’s drawing praise from one of the division’s greatest champions, Georges St-Pierre.
“Belal is the complete package,” St-Pierre said in an interview with Bloody Elbow. “He’s good everywhere, and he’s got a very awkward style that throws a lot of people off, especially standing up in the striking department. Jack, on the other side — he’s on a tear. He’s got good momentum, and he’s on a winning streak. It’s going to be an interesting fight.”
The MMA icon didn’t rule out Maddalena’s chances, noting his clean striking and undefeated UFC run, but emphasized Muhammad’s deeper arsenal of tools.
“On one side, Jack — I think could have the advantages in the striking department. But it’s not only a kickboxing match – it’s mixed martial arts, and that’s when I believe if I’m Belal Muhammad, that’s where you take advantage of it. I think he’s got more tools to win, but that doesn’t mean that he’s going to win.”
St-Pierre also highlighted “Remember The Name’s” aggressive, pressure-heavy style as a major advantage, particularly his ability to dictate tempo and control momentum.
“Nobody has cracked the code so far, and Belal’s style is very aggressive. He puts constant forward pressure and he makes guys fight on their heels. He’s very good at changing levels and changing the momentum of the fight and that’s his main asset. That’s his bread and butter. Jack, on the other side, is a very good striker,” he said.
As UFC 315 nears, Muhammad not only carries the UFC welterweight belt but also the expectations of being the next great champion in a division with a storied legacy.