Was Belal Muhammad a lawyer? A look at the MMA fighter's life before the UFC
Belal Muhammad is set for his first-ever UFC title fight, taking on reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards for the divisional strap at UFC 304 this weekend. 'Remember the Name' has earned his spot by authoring a 10-fight unbeaten streak.
While he is now regarded as an elite mixed martial artist, this wasn't always the case. In fact, at 36 years old, Muhammad peaked fairly late into his career. That, however, is because he had other priorities before committing to the path of an MMA career.
So, what of his life before mixed martial arts? Was he a lawyer, as the rumors suggest, or are they just that, rumors?
Belal Muhammad's early career
Before signing with the UFC, Belal Muhammad was an undefeated prospect with a 9-0 record across various fringe promotions like Titan FC and Hoosier Fight Club. Surprisingly, he did take part in two Bellator fights, one in late 2012 and another in early 2014, winning both.
Check out Belal Muhammad dropping Keith Johnson at Titan FC 33:
However, when he finally entered the annals of top-level MMA in the UFC, it was a rough introduction, to say the least. Muhammad went 1-2 in his first three fights, losing to Alan Jouban, a fighter whose career now pales in comparison to his, and Vicente Luque, who knocked him out.
While Muhammad eventually redirected the course of his career's ship, he might not have become an MMA fighter at all.
Was Belal Muhammad a lawyer?
Belal Muhammad has been a dedicated wrestler since his high school days, but as an MMA fighter, he was not. He enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he studied to become a lawyer, graduating before a fateful encounter with his old wrestling coach, Louis Taylor.
"I was once a lawyer"
Out of love for the sport of wrestling, Muhammad sought to reconnect with Taylor, who he learned had become a professional fighter. The pair came together on Facebook, and before they had realized it, their old routine of mentor-pupil had resurfaced as Muhammad steered his interest to MMA.
Years later, it paid off. He is now a highly ranked UFC welterweight at 23-3 (1), and scheduled to rematch his old rival Leon Edwards, only this time they fight for the Englishman's 170-pound belt in the latter's own backyard at UFC 304. With a win, Muhammad will hope to make his old coach proud.