Belal Muhammad was in a ‘live or die’ situation, according to an MMA icon who has opened up about the athlete’s health problems.
On Saturday night, at UFC 315, ‘Remember the Name’ will attempt to defend his welterweight championship against Jack Della Maddalena at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
By the sounds of it, the fact that he’s going into this bout at all is a testament to his ferocious fighting heart.
A former middleweight title challenger claimed the American-Palestinian has been through a torrid ordeal.
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Chael Sonnen says Belal Muhammad almost died
In October of last year, Belal Muhammad had to pull out of a scheduled title defense with Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Sadly, he was suffering from a bone infection that left him in hospital and impacted him much more than people knew.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen explained: “I really respect Belal for this. Are you aware that it was on the fence whether he was going to live or die, all through an infection that came through his toe? You’re probably not.
“When Belal was released, he dropped down to see how many push-ups he could do — five, that’s what he got to.
“Anyone that got that sick, anyone who got that weak, if they’ve got to turn it around and be the baddest man on Earth, and they’ve got eight months to do it—I think that you would understand where there is some question.
“What a stud Belal is. He’s not going to tell you anything. He is not going to tell you that he almost died, he’s not going to tell you about the toe, he’s not going to tell you about lying in the bed, crying. But I’m choosing to do it because he deserves credit.”
Belal Muhammad dominated a UFC legend in a tremendous performance
The 170-pound King’s ability to overcome adversity comes as no major surprise considering what he can do inside the octagon.
Through years of hard work and dedication, he’s developed a grappling style that’s become extremely tough to stop.
Even the best of fighters have struggled to deal with the ferocity he brings to the cage.
In an excellent showing, Belal Muhammad dominated an MMA icon.