Belal Muhammad says he is heading into UFC Vegas 118 with added confidence after productive training sessions alongside a standout sparring partner he described as a "monster" in the gym. The welterweight contender is focused on making a strong statement upon his return.
Belal Muhammad is heading into UFC Vegas 118 with renewed confidence, the welterweight contender has said, crediting a productive training camp that featured a sparring partner he called a "monster" in the gym.
Muhammad, 37, carries a 24-5-0 professional record into his return and currently sits sixth in the welterweight rankings while holding the eighth spot in the pound-for-pound standings. The Chicago-born Roufusport product stands five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach and fights out of the orthodox stance. His numbers reflect a well-rounded and active fighter — he lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute at 43 percent accuracy and averages 2.14 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him legitimate weapons both on the feet and on the mat.
The American has spoken about entering the event with added belief after what he described as particularly sharp sessions leading into fight week. He did not name the sparring partner publicly, but the praise suggests Muhammad has pushed himself hard in preparation and feels ready to make an impression on his return to the octagon.
Why it matters
- Muhammad sits sixth in a welterweight division where rankings positions shift quickly, and a strong performance could push him back toward title contention.
- His combination of active striking volume and a consistent takedown threat makes him a stylistically difficult opponent for almost anyone in the 170-pound bracket.
- A confident camp report from a fighter of his pound-for-pound pedigree raises the stakes for whoever shares the cage with him at UFC Vegas 118.
