Belal Muhammad is scheduled to headline his second consecutive pay-per-view event at UFC 315, where he will defend his welterweight championship for the first time.
Despite the impressive winning streak that culminated in his title victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 last July, Muhammad, known as `Remember the Name`, frequently faces criticism.
His fighting style has been a point of contention for fans, with his upcoming opponent, Jack Della Maddalena, also describing Muhammad as “boring.”
Conversely, some fighters have expressed support for the 36-year-old champion, including an unexpected endorsement from his former opponent, Sean Brady.
Ahead of the UFC`s long-awaited return to the Bell Centre, a UFC commentator drew a parallel between the current champion and a legendary figure in the sport who similarly went from being criticized to becoming widely beloved.
Laura Sanko Notes Georges St-Pierre`s Beloved Status Despite Past Criticism Similar to Belal Muhammad`s
Throughout his illustrious career, Georges St-Pierre delivered many memorable performances at the Bell Centre in Montreal while defending his welterweight title.
Speaking about the upcoming card, St-Pierre himself spoke positively of Belal Muhammad in an interview, confirming he plans to attend the event.
In a discussion with Submission Radio, UFC commentator Laura Sanko addressed the criticism Muhammad receives, stating that ultimately, his success cannot be faulted.
“Whether you like it or not, winning is the most important thing in professional sport and that is going to be what gets you to the top,” Sanko remarked.
She added, “It may not turn you into a superstar, but holding the belt and defending the belt will. I think Belal is… he has the capability to be that type of fighter.”
Sanko further commented that while the landscape of MMA fans has changed significantly since St-Pierre`s peak, it`s important to recall that even a legendary champion like `GSP` encountered similar criticisms during his time as champion.
Regardless of public opinion at the time, St-Pierre has since become one of the most highly respected individuals in the sport`s history.
Sanko highlighted the similarities in their fighting approaches and noted, “`GSP` was called boring, often, and they’re not entirely dissimilar in the way they fight and yet, removed from having ‘GSP’, we miss him and there’s not a person out there that wouldn’t put him on their list of goats.”
Belal Muhammad Should Continue Embracing the Heel Role at UFC 315
While undoubtedly effective, Belal Muhammad`s fighting style is not typically considered one that excites fans.
His approach is characterized by control and frustrating opponents, which, combined with his outspoken personality and trash talk, positions the welterweight champion as a natural “heel” or villain in the sport.
He leaned into this persona extensively before and after his victory over Leon Edwards and is expected to continue this strategy against Jack Della Maddalena.
It may be challenging for `Remember the Name` to win over fans who have already formed negative opinions about his style. However, by embracing his public perception, he might be able to draw additional viewers to his fights who tune in hoping to see him lose, ultimately capitalizing on the attention.
