A large chunk of UFC fans have labeled Belal Muhammad a “boring” fighter on multiple occasions. His ground game-heavy style and track record of taking fights to decisions have primarily sparked this criticism.
However, UFC commentator and analyst Laura Sanko doesn’t seem to have any problems with that. Recently, Sanko voiced her support for Muhammad’s fight game, which ultimately gets the job of winning done despite being criticized by fans.
Laura Sanko Appreciates Belal Muhammad for Knowing How To Win a Fight
While most fans prefer watching a stand-and-strike slugfest, Muhammad has won most of his fights by controlling his rivals on the ground with his high-level wrestling. He also claimed the UFC welterweight title at UFC 304 with a similar approach against Leon Edwards instead of hunting for a finish.
Winning the 170-pound belt couldn’t change Muhammad’s reputation in the community. Fans have continued bashing him for the same reason to this day.
Sanko recently provided those fans with a reality check on the matter.
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Sanko opined that a fan-friendly style may not help a fighter win fights every time. She said, “I think what the fans want to see, and what wins fights, is not the exact same thing. That’s just reality.”
Sanko added that emerging victorious is more important in combat sports than having an entertaining style, as winning is what would eventually make an fighter a superstar.
“Whether you like it or not, winning is the most important thing in professional sports,” she stated. “That is going to [help you] get to the top. It may not make you a superstar, but holding the belt and defending the belt will.”
She pointed out how Georges St-Pierre went on to become one of the strongest MMA GOAT contenders despite being called boring by fans during his heyday. Comparing St-Pierre’s fighting style with Muhammad’s, Sanko said, “Belal is incredibly intelligent in the way he approaches fighting.”
Muhammad holds a remarkable 15-3-1 record in his 19 UFC fights to date. However, a closer look at the results of his fights reveals that he has finished only three of his 19 UFC rivals.
‘Remember The Name’ is scheduled to lock horns with Jack Della Maddalena on May 10 in the main event of UFC 315 for his first title defense. It will be interesting to witness whether Muhammad decides to hunt for a finish this time or resorts to his time-tested approach that has helped him amass an impressive unbeaten streak.