Belal Muhammad mocks British UFC fans after beating Leon Edwards and gives savage response to rematch question
Belal Muhammad mocked British MMA fans following his victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304, while also shutting down talk of an immediate rematch.
Palestinian-American Muhammad claimed the UFC welterweight title with a points victory over Birmingham's Edwards at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester in the early hours of Sunday morning.
In a fight short on eye-catching moments, Muhammad did enough to claim a deserved victory - with the judges scoring the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in his favour.
After receiving a mixed reception from the crowd following his win, Muhammad couldn't resist winding up British fans in attendance.
Advert
"It sounds like all the people booing right now got a lot of tears coming out of their eyes," Muhammad said during his post-fight interview.
"I see you guys with watery eyes right now. This is for my family, for my people in Palestine."
Muhammad later dismissed suggestions he could face Edwards in an immediate rematch for the welterweight belt.
"Yeah, I'll give him a rematch in three years. Let him work his way back up," said Muhammad.
"I mean, I thought it was a dominant fight, there's really no need for a rematch and I don't think he had that long [enough] reign as the champion where he's entitled to a rematch.
"For me, I came into his hometown in front of his people, in enemy territory – so it was all a layup for him, but I blocked it."
UFC boss Dana White also suggested he would be looking at other options for Muhammad's first title defence.
"I know Belal's been training with Khabib, so the performance was, you know, what you'd expect," said White, in a not-so-subtle dig at the winner.
"Yeah, let him [Edwards] rest but we're talking about other things right now [for welterweight]."
White also ruled out raising bonuses at future events in his post-match press conference, blaming the quality of the fights at UFC 304 for his decision.
"Upping them [bonuses] doesn't change anything, it doesn't make anybody fight any harder, it doesn't change anything," said White.
"I'm not doing this again. Today was the last day I'm doing that."
He also controversially cut Muhammad Mokaev from the UFC, despite the British fighter extending his winning run with victory over Manel Kape in Manchester.
"The matchmakers aren't big fans of his for many different reasons, and not just because [of his fighting style]... there's a lot of people who shoot takedowns in this in this business," added White.
"There are a lot of guys that fight with that type of style, but it's a lot more than just that.
"He's not under contract anymore. I think the PFL is going to get a great, undefeated guy. Good luck to him."
Topics: UFC, MMA, Leon Edwards, Dana White
Rory O'Callaghan