Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to Belal Muhammad's title win, addresses Dana White's "not a barnburner" quip
Belal Muhammad was recently commended by Khabib Nurmagomedov for his performance at UFC 304, which helped him win the UFC welterweight title. Nurmagomedov also addressed UFC CEO Dana White's remarks about him playing a major role in Muhammad's victory.
After retiring from competition, Nurmagomedov guided Islam Makhachev to a UFC title and was crucial in helping Muhammad emerge as the next welterweight champion. Ahead of UFC 304, 'Remember the Name' explained that his work with the Eagles MMA squad contributed significantly to his confidence heading into the biggest fight of his career.
Muhammad said in a prior interview with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sport that Nurmagomedov had elevated him during training camp. The 36-year-old also said that training with Nurmagomedov was the same as training for 50 days with anyone else.
All of that was useful since Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards with a strong performance at UFC 304, winning the welterweight title by unanimous decision.
Following Muhammad's win, Nurmagomedov took to his Instagram account to share a story praising the American. He wrote:
''You deserve it brother. Many congratulations. I'm very happy for you and your coach. Hands up, you're the world champion. @bullyb170''
During the post-fight press conference, White credited Nurmagomedov for Muhammad's impressive victory at UFC 304, citing the latter's tight ties to the Dagestani camp.
''It was not a barnburner... I know Belal’s been training with Khabib, so his performance was what you would expect.''
Check out Dana White's comments below:
However, Nurmagomedov dismissed White's comments about him in another Instagram story, writing:
''Belal trained with his coaches, he has very high-class coaches. I just helped him in small things. All credit goes to his coaches and Belal's heart.''
Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below:
Belal Muhammad claims Khabib Nurmagomedov provided him ''game plan'' for UFC 304 title fight
Khabib Nurmagomedov was not anticipated to be in the corner of Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. However, the newly crowned welterweight champion disclosed that Nurmagomedov provided him with a strategy against Leon Edwards.
In the aforementioned interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, Muhammad revealed that Nurmagomedov discussed Edwards' clash with him and came up with a "game plan" for him to employ.
''Just being able to feel his strength, feel his pressure, feel his knowledge too that he gives you and to have him give me advice and what he thinks I should be doing for this fight and breaking down Leon and telling me what the game plan he thinks should be, the knowledge is endless.''
Check out Belal Muhammad's comments below (2:53):