PHOTO: Belal Muhammad shares Grand Theft Auto inspired poster with Colby Covington-Jon Anik situation as central theme
UFC welterweight top contender Belal Muhammad recently posted a creative poster on social media that appears to be inspired by the popular video game, Grand Theft Auto.
The poster features two prominent figures in the UFC community: Colby Covington and UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik.
The poster's central theme seems to be the recent altercation between Covington and Anik, which took place after UFC 286. In the poster, Covington, Anik and 'Remember the Name' are depicted as characters in a violent and chaotic video game world.
Check out the social media post here:
Dana White, the president of the UFC, has confirmed that Colby Covington will be the next fighter to challenge Leon Edwards for the welterweight title. This comes after Edwards defeated Kamaru Usman in a closely contested match, and 'Chaos' has been vocal about his desire to fight Edwards for the title.
However, things seem to have taken a dark turn as Covington appeared to threaten Jon Anik, who voiced support for Belal Muhammad.
Check out Anik's tweet in support of the No. 4-ranked welterweight contender:
Understand acutely why Colby Covington was the back-up but hard not to feel for @bullyb170! 9-fight unbeaten streak. Hasn't lost in 4-plus years. Just KO'd a previously undefeated fighter. The man deserves his respect and I don't say that b/c he hosts a podcast w/ my twin bro.
Covington's threatening behavior towards Anik is allegedly related to the ongoing feud between the no. 2-ranked welterweight and Belal Muhammad, which has been marked by insults and trash talk on social media as both combatants strive to be the front runners for the 170-pound championship race.
Belal Muhammad intends to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov in Dagestan
Top-ranked welterweight Belal Muhammad has hinted that he may travel to Dagestan to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov, a retired MMA legend who has transitioned to coaching. Nurmagomedov has been actively involved in coaching other fighters since his retirement in October 2020.
During Muhammad's recent fight against Sean Brady at UFC 280 in October 2022, Khabib Nurmagomedov was part of the 34-year-old's training and corner team. He emerged victorious in the welterweight bout, achieving a second-round TKO victory over Brady. This was a significant win for Muhammad, as it marked the first time that Brady had been defeated in MMA.
Belal Muhammad recently revealed during an Instagram Live session that he intends to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov again after his next fight is confirmed. A video clip tweeted by the "@roganjoshmma" Twitter account shows Muhammad being asked if he is still in contact with Nurmagomedov. Muhammad replied in the affirmative, saying that he plans to train with the retired MMA legend again in the future. He remarked:
"Yes, I do. I'm talking to him. We've had close calls with getting fights, so asking his opinion on them. Inshallah, we'll be in Dagestan; get something soon once we get a fight going."
Check out the entire comment here:
Just got a reply from @bullyb170 on his IG live.
He'll go to train with Khabib in Dagestan once his fight gets announced 🔥
Big year ahead and each day getting closer to the championship dream iA ☝️✊ https://t.co/jaIJzGZlPI