"This feels particularly special" - UFC analyst praises Belal Muhammad's welterweight title win at UFC 304
Jon Anik has largely remained impartial when it comes to his opinion of UFC fighters but one member of the roster he has been particularly fond of has been Belal Muhammad. After the latter finally won the UFC gold on July 27, Anik could not help but express his emotions on social media.
As the lead play-by-play broadcaster for the UFC, Anik has repeatedly stated that his favorite part of the job is watching a title challenger break through and become a champion in the organization. While Muhammad did just that at UFC 304, Anik admitted that his relationship with the 36-year-old along with his lengthy road to the title made the moment "feel particularly special" on Instagram.
Anik's caption read:
"I've always said the best part of this job is witnessing a fighter breakthrough, complete their mission as a UFC champion, and effectively change their life forever. [Belal Muhammad's] path was more arduous than most, so this feels particularly special."
As the co-host of the Anik and Florian Podcast with former UFC fighter Kenny Florian, Anik recalled signing Muhammad to his podcast network in 2020 before he had even broken into the UFC rankings. Since then, the Palestinian has co-hosted "Remember the Show" on the network's YouTube channel with Jason Anik, the identical twin brother of the UFC broadcaster.
Jon Anik shouts out Belal Muhammad's striking coach
Seemingly overwhelmed with emotion the day after UFC 304, Jon Anik not only shouted out Belal Muhammad for his championship accomplishment but gave recognition to the fighter's coaches.
Anik particularly noted Muhammad's striking coach, Mike Valle, telling fans on X that it was "about time to put some respect" on the Valle Flow Striking leader's name.
As a small gym in Chicago, Valle Flow Striking has produced a few of the UFC fighters outside of Muhammad. Ignacio Bahamondes and Charles Radtke highlight the two other notable members of the team currently signed to the world's premiere MMA organization.