Muhammad’s Preparation with Khabib Nurmagomedov
Belal Muhammad, the upcoming title challenger at UFC 304, has been benefiting from the guidance of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. Although Nurmagomedov retired at the height of his fighting career, he continues to coach, providing valuable insights to fighters like Muhammad.
Muhammad, who has won nine consecutive fights over eight years, will face Leon Edwards in his first title bout at UFC 304 in Manchester, England. Their previous encounter in 2021 ended in a No Contest due to an eye poke from Edwards, which prevented Muhammad from continuing.
Training with a Legend
Muhammad has spent the past 14 months preparing for this fight, with Nurmagomedov playing a crucial role in his training. According to Muhammad, training with Nurmagomedov has been transformative.
“Training with Khabib benefits me in every way—physically, mentally, and spiritually,” Muhammad told CBS Sports. “His advice is worth far more than training with anyone else. His strength, pressure, and extensive knowledge have been invaluable. Having him as a mentor is priceless.”
Nurmagomedov’s Influence and the Path Forward
Nurmagomedov’s team has been closely monitoring Edwards since he won the welterweight title with a headkick knockout against Kamaru Usman in 2022. Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Islam Makhachev, has shown interest in competing in the welterweight division, raising questions about how Edwards would fare against different fighting styles.
Muhammad appreciates Nurmagomedov’s emphasis on hard work and intensive training. “Their team focuses on extreme hard work,” Muhammad said. “With Khabib involved, it’s even more intense. It’s a different level of preparation.”
As UFC 304 approaches, fans and analysts will be watching to see if Muhammad’s rigorous preparation and Nurmagomedov’s strategic advice will give him the edge over Edwards.