For the last several years, the MMA world has considered Russia’s Khabib Nurmagomedov as a mythical figure. ‘The Eagle,’ who retired from the sport back in 2020 with a perfect record of 29-0, has cemented his legacy as arguably the lightweight GOAT. Since then, the 34-year-old has focused on several of his own business ventures, including coaching many of his friends and family.
UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad considers himself blessed to be one of the few fighters to whom the Russian has dedicated his coaching. The pair famously began working together prior to Belal’s UFC 280 bout against Sean Brady. Khabib’s solid advice in between the first two rounds led to a fired-up Belal, leading to the latter dismantling Sean via second-round TKO.
However, the duo’s unexpected yet much-needed coach-fighter pairing has since sent the MMA world into a frenzy. Fans have often tried to wonder if Belal is anyhow related to the Dagestani native, especially since both of them are devout Muslims.
Are Khabib Nurmagomedov and Belal Muhammad brothers?
Contrary to popular belief, Belal was actually born in the United States. Muhammad was raised in the city of Chicago, Illinois by a Palestinian mother and an American father. His mother goes by the name of Maha Muhammad while his father’s name is Abdullah Muhammad. The religious values inculcated into him have led Belal to become a devout Muslim.
Khabib, a fellow Muslim as well, on the other hand, was born and raised in Dagestan. Being the first Muslim fighter to win a UFC title, Nurmagomedov was born to an Avar family in the village of Sildi. He has an older brother named Muhammad and a younger sister, Amina.
Despite not being related by blood, Belal and Khabib share a distinct closeness, owing to the religion that serves as the common ground. On occasions more than once, Muhammad has spoken highly of Khabib. Before his rematch with Vicente Luque, Belal got to train with the former lightweight champ.
Muhammad said, “He’s such an icon, a huge mentor for any Muslim fighter, or if you’re a Muslim in general. Just to see the way he holds himself the whole way. The way that the whole world sees him as such a humble guy and he’s truly that even in person.”
Prior to his UFC 280 bout, Belal shone a light on the brotherly bond he has developed with Khabib and the team. He said, “Honestly, it’s been amazing. The hospitality, they welcome you with open arms. It’s been amazing. There’s a language barrier but we all speak Islam, we all speak Muslim, we all speak martial arts.”
“The best thing I ever did, the best choice I ever made was coming down here and training with them. Not only for my martial arts but for my Islam, for my religion,” concluded Belal.
Khabib’s advice to Belal for his UFC 288 bout
In March of this year, Belal held an Instagram Live session, during which he indicated that he is still in touch with Khabib. Not only that but ‘Remember The Name’ also mentioned his plans to move to Dagestan once his next fight gets announced.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Belal had to step in on two weeks’ worth of short notice to face fellow welterweight, Gilbert Burns. The news came a couple of weeks after Charles Oliveira pulled out of his UFC 288 co-main slot versus Beneil Dariush.
Unfortunately for Belal, the lack of time at hand didn’t help him move his training camp to Dagestan as planned. However, while speaking to MMA Mania, Belal said he’s still kept in touch with Khabib, who passed a suggestion in regards to the duration of his upcoming fight.
And I’ll spread the love around…
Belal Muhammad is finishing Ramadan today, where he had been fasting for 12-15 hours a day, but continued training daily to help Ignacio Bahamondes prepare for his fight.
Now he’s fighting five rounds in 16 days.
Props to both Belal & Gilbert https://t.co/SvcQSIHXbc
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) April 21, 2023
“I actually talked to Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Belal said. “And he said, ‘Brother, I think you should do five rounds.’ I was like, ‘That’s a good thought.’ My team knows what I’m capable of. I’m a guy who gets stronger as rounds get deeper.”
The UFC asked both Belal and Burns for special conditions in regard to their 170-pound title eliminator. The 34-year-old shared it was Khabib who suggested 25 minutes was the way to go.