Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Belal Muhammad
After a week off, the UFC returns with a pay-per-view card in Atlanta featuring two title fights, and another fighter looking to become "champ-champ." Jon Litterine breaks down five key bouts.
The UFC is making its debut on the ESPN family of networks, where bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw will look to pick up his second belt. Jon Litterine breaks down a few key fights and makes his picks.
The UFC is in Utica, New York on Friday (yes, Friday), featuring a bantamweight showcase in the main event. Jon Litterine breaks down the main card and makes his picks.
Is Fabricio Werdum next up for a heavyweight title shot after his victory over Marcin Tybura? Richard Mann is back for a stats-based breakdown of Saturday's event.
Two heavyweights collide in the main event of Saturday's card in Australia. RotoWire MMA analyst Jon Litterine is back to discuss the best daily fantasy plays and make his picks.
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Strong effort in win over Curtis Millender
Muhammad defeated Curtis Millender via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 30-26) at UFC 236 on Saturday in Atlanta.
ANALYSIS
One of the more underrated fighters on the UFC roster, Muhammad continues to go about his business. It took him a couple minutes on Saturday to get on track before dominating the final two rounds. Muhammad attempted 214 total strikes compared to just 85 from Millender, unofficially. Having shown far more good than bad (6-3) during his time with the company, Muhammad continues to prove to be valuable roster depth for the UFC.
One of the more underrated fighters on the UFC roster, Muhammad continues to go about his business. It took him a couple minutes on Saturday to get on track before dominating the final two rounds. Muhammad attempted 214 total strikes compared to just 85 from Millender, unofficially. Having shown far more good than bad (6-3) during his time with the company, Muhammad continues to prove to be valuable roster depth for the UFC.
Will fight in Atlanta
Muhammad will face Curtis Millender at UFC Atlanta on April 13, freelance reporter Farah Hannoun reports.
ANALYSIS
All five of Muhammad's previous fights have gone to decision, and he was awarded all but one. His opponent has gone to decision in 11 of his 17 wins as a professional, so this match certainly seems like it could go the distance.
All five of Muhammad's previous fights have gone to decision, and he was awarded all but one. His opponent has gone to decision in 11 of his 17 wins as a professional, so this match certainly seems like it could go the distance.
Loss snaps four-fight win streak
Muhammad lost to Geoff Neal via unanimous decision (28-29, 27-30, 27-30) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Brooklyn.
ANALYSIS
Muhammad displayed exceptional toughness in what was essentially a 15-minute kickboxing match. He failed on all eight of his takedown attempts and was forced to stand and trade with the heavy-handed Neal. He got the short end of the stick, but his toughness could easily earn him a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. While he's not a title contender, Muhammad is a perfectly capable welterweight. The loss snaps a four-fight winning streak for the 30-year-old. Muhammad is now 5-3 in his first eight UFC bouts.
Muhammad displayed exceptional toughness in what was essentially a 15-minute kickboxing match. He failed on all eight of his takedown attempts and was forced to stand and trade with the heavy-handed Neal. He got the short end of the stick, but his toughness could easily earn him a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. While he's not a title contender, Muhammad is a perfectly capable welterweight. The loss snaps a four-fight winning streak for the 30-year-old. Muhammad is now 5-3 in his first eight UFC bouts.
Next fight booked
Muhammad (undisclosed) will take on Geoff Neal in a welterweight matchup at UFC on ESPN+ 1 on Jan. 19, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Muhammad had been scheduled for a tough matchup againist Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Sao Paulo in September, but was forced to withdraw due to undisclosed reasons. Considering the absolute tear that dos Santos has been on of late, that may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Muhammad. The 30-year-old is riding a four-fight winning streak, though each fight has gone to the judges and one was of the split variety. Neal, on the other hand, has four-straight stoppage victories dating back to his pre-UFC days. Both men stand at 5-foot-11, with a three-inch reach advantage going to Neal.
Muhammad had been scheduled for a tough matchup againist Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Sao Paulo in September, but was forced to withdraw due to undisclosed reasons. Considering the absolute tear that dos Santos has been on of late, that may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Muhammad. The 30-year-old is riding a four-fight winning streak, though each fight has gone to the judges and one was of the split variety. Neal, on the other hand, has four-straight stoppage victories dating back to his pre-UFC days. Both men stand at 5-foot-11, with a three-inch reach advantage going to Neal.
Won't fight at Sao Paulo
Muhammad will not face off against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Sao Paulo on Sept. 22, freelance writer Nolan King reports. Luigi Vendramini will take his place.
ANALYSIS
Muhammad has won his past four fights and was looking to add another against Zaleski dos Santos. However, for a reason that's immediately unclear, he'll bow out of the fight.
Muhammad has won his past four fights and was looking to add another against Zaleski dos Santos. However, for a reason that's immediately unclear, he'll bow out of the fight.