Leon Edwards’ opponent plans to start brawl like Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor at UFC 304
Belal Muhammad insists there’ll be no handshake with Leon Edwards after their rematch.
In fact, ‘Remember the Name’ says it's highly like he’ll start a post-fight brawl with Edwards and his team after dethroning the welterweight champion at UFC 304 in Manchester on Saturday night.
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During a recent interview with , Muhammad claimed he will ‘do the Khabib’ - referring to Nurmagomedov’s attack on Conor McGregor’s corner after submitting him at UFC 229 in October 2018.
A multi-person brawl subsequently ensued before Nurmagomedov and McGregor were both banned for several months for bringing the sport into disrepute.
“After the fight, I think I'm going to literally walk to his corner and do the Khabib thing,” Muhammad said.
“Throw my mouthpiece at them, laugh at them, point, and maybe hop over the fence and jump on his brother [Bellator fighter Fabian Edwards].";
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Nurmagomedov and McGregor shared an intense rivalry over several years that saw them exchange insults, personal threats, and a famous incident involving a dolly and a bus.
While it was still unexpected, their post-fight brawl made sense.
Edwards and Muhammad haven’t been feuding on the same level, so the American’s plan has come as a shock to many.
The welterweight duo first fought as contenders back in March 2021.
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On that occasion, their clash ended inconclusively when Edwards inadvertently poked Muhammad in the eye, rendering him unable to continue.
Rather than do a rematch of their no-contest, ‘Rocky’ opted to face UFC legend Nate Diaz to secure his title shot at Kamaru Usman, who he famously KO’d with a head kick.
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Two defences later, the Englishman has agreed to rematch Muhammad, but he feels like he’s been overlooked and disrespected by Edwards, hence his post-fight brawl plan.
The 36-year-old has won five consecutive fights since then to make himself the undeniable number-one contender at 170lbs.
Edwards thinks he will easily deal with Muhammad before booking bigger and better fights.
“I want to move up and challenge for a middleweight belt,” he told ahead of UFC 304.
“I feel like I've got the size [for the middleweight division] and the skill for it so why not chase greatness."
Dricus du Plessis is currently in possession of the 185lb strap and is set to defend it against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 on August 17.
There isn't a clear top contender in the division once Du Plessis and Adesanya have settled their score so Edwards could get the winner if he emerges victorious over Muhammad.
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