Newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad says hostility from fans only aided in his successful pursuit of gold this past weekend.
Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound title in his possession, having headlined the UFC 304 pay-per-view alongside Leon Edwards at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
Against the odds and predictions of many fans, pundits, and fellow fighters alike, Muhammad made good on his vows to dominate "Rocky" in his own backyard, utilizing his grappling to secure large periods of control and finding success on the feet too.
With that, "Remember the Name" was able to silence a crowd that didn't shy away from letting him know their feelings as he made his way to the Octagon. That trend was also visible last week at the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins.
While some may be negatively affected by such a reception, Muhammad says it was ideal...
During a backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports, Muhammad reflected on his experience competing in front of a hostile Manchester crowd.
While Muhammad had downplayed the support Edwards had in the UK, "Remember the Name" was seemingly pleased to be on the receiving end of heavy boos during fight week events and his UFC 304 walkout.
Honestly, I liked it. It was motivation," Muhammad said. "I like to get booed. I want that energy. Like I said, I've been doubted my whole career. Those boos, they only push me to go harder.
I'm from like, the south side of Chicago, so I'm not afraid of like, altercations or people talking trash to me. I love that type of energy," Muhammad continued. "When they're talking trash to me or I get an opponent I can talk trash to, those are the best kind of fights for me.
Having proved plenty wrong with his ascent to top spot at 170 pounds, Muhammad will now turn his attention to cementing his grip on that crown and beginning the pursuit of another.
This week, Muhammad debuted in the pound-for-pound rankings at #6, just behind featherweight champ Ilia Topuria and bantamweight kingpin Sean O'Malley. With some title defenses down the line, "Remember the Name" will hope to further climb that pecking order.
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