Leon Edwards’ hilarious response to describe the confidence that Belal Muhammad has shown in the lead-up to the fight did not go unnoticed as the UFC Welterweight Champion did not mince words in his breakdown of Belal’s fighting style ahead of the title clash at UFC 304.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Edwards used the popular slang, “delulu” to sum up his opponent’s confidence, and in the process warned him about what to expect when they share the Octagon in Manchester.
“Too slow, too predictable, too flat-footed, so, let’s see.” He said. The British fighter was also amazed at his opponent’s comments on the first time they shared the cage back in March 2021. “The way he talks, it’s like, he was winning the first fight. A bit delulu, but like I said, he best be ready.” He further added.
Leon Edwards thinks Belal Muhammad training with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagamedov doesn’t make any difference
While it’s safe to say competing against the absolute best does improve your game, Leon Edwards believes “his skills are his skills” and it makes no difference whether he is training with the absolute best in Dagestani fighters like Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“The way he fights for the last how many years, is the way he fights. I don’t give two s**ts who’s in his corner or he is training with. When it’s come fight night, it’s me and him alone in the cage.”
Be that as it may, Edwards regards the Dagestan fighter’s approach to fighting and feels their wrestling-heavy approach certainly pays dividends during fights. However, this did not come without reminding Belal Muhammad that it’s mixed martial arts, and just relying on one technique might not be enough.
As for the possibility of fighting Islam Makhachev in the future, Edwards did not shut the door entirely, but in the past, he has stated that the UFC Lightweight Champion has still some work left in his division before he decides to move up a weight class.
Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad goes down on July 27 inside Co-op Live Arena in Manchester and boasts an exciting undercard including a rare title defense where Tom Aspinall will put his interim heavyweight title on the line against his former foe Curtis Blaydes.
The likes of Bobby Green vs Paddy Pimblett, Arnold Allen vs Giga Chickadee, and Muhammad Mokaev vs Manel Kape will also complement the star-studded event which will mark UFC’s return to Manchester after a long 8 years. The promotion last held an event in the city back in October 2016 for UFC 204: Bisping vs Henderson 2.
