As Belal Muhammad embarks on his personal likelihood to turn into champion at UFC 304, a giant a part of preparing has concerned Muhammad working alongside Islam Makhachev and his crew because the UFC light-weight champ prepares to face Dustin Poirier on Saturday.
Muhammad and Makhachev have turn into common coaching companions over the previous few years. Along with working with Makhachev, Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov, and others on that crew, Muhammad has additionally loved the advantages of coaching alongside retired UFC light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who nonetheless helps out throughout coaching camps regardless of taking a step again from full-time teaching duties.
Muhammad says working with Makhachev, Nurmagomedov, and the remainder of their crew has been invaluable as he prepares to take the UFC title away from Leon Edwards in July.
“I’m attending to work with who I feel is the Michael Jordan of MMA. I get to work with Khabib,” Muhammad advised MMA Preventing. “Islam proper now could be the Kobe Bryant, the LeBron James. They’re each one of the best to ever do it. Simply getting that data, getting that really feel — you’ll be able to see I received two black eyes going with these guys. It’s a special degree going with these guys, simply to get their opinions on stuff.
“Khabib is so sensible and he’s so good at breaking down guys, and simply getting the data that he provides me — in the future with Khabib is like getting 50 days with anyone else, as a result of he’s so sensible and he’s so good at every part. The little issues he reveals you’ll make an enormous distinction. It’s priceless to get to work with [those] guys. Each time I give it some thought, I’m like, [I’m] blessed, as a result of I used to be all the time a fan of his, and 1717261704 I get to coach with these guys and work out with these guys, and see what they do and see how they push, they usually’re each champions.”
Whereas Makhachev’s main focus proper now could be defending his light-weight title in opposition to Poirier at UFC 302, the 32-year-old Russian has spoken brazenly about his need to turn into a two-division UFC champion earlier than his profession is over.
Makhachev was even briefly floated as a possible opponent for Edwards when the historic UFC 300 card nonetheless wanted a headliner, with a champ versus champ struggle seeming like a pure match.
Muhammad actually believes Makhachev has every part it takes to turn into a two-division UFC champion, however he is aware of the trail to get there gained’t undergo him.
“I’d by no means struggle him, 100%,” Muhammad stated. “However truthfully, he may go as much as 185 and beat [Dricus] du Plessis proper now. I feel he’s that good, actually. I feel he may go up there and be that two-division champ.
“Skip over 170 for a bit of bit, let me beat a few these youthful guys, after which I’ll go as much as 185.”
There’s little doubt in Muhammad’s thoughts that Makhachev may accomplish just about something he units his thoughts to, however he would by no means sacrifice a pal and coaching companion for a struggle like that.
“He has loads of time,” Muhammad stated of Makhachev. “He’s dominating his fights. He’s profitable simply. I feel he’s going to proceed on that path of simply being a dominant champion. He’s received loads of years left. He stated one thing about it not too long ago in an interview, saying, ‘I’m nonetheless hungry, I’m nonetheless right here.’ So he’s received a very long time to go.”
So far as incorporating extra of that crew into his personal preparation for the struggle in opposition to Edwards in July, Muhammad plans on cross-training along with his personal coaches and coaching companions whereas additionally working with Makhachev, Nurmagomedov, and the remainder.
Actually, Muhammad admits he would like to have Nurmagomedov in his nook when he makes an attempt to turn into a UFC champion for the primary time.
“That might be priceless,” Muhammad stated of Nurmagomedov doubtlessly cornering him for the struggle. “That might be superb. Hopefully.
“We’re going to attempt to nudge his shoulder a bit of bit and do some little bit of begging. Hopefully. He’s been within the gymnasium, he’s been working extra. I’m hoping he will get the itch to be in a nook extra.”
