Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad recently donned boxing gloves for a rare sparring session. Known primarily for his wrestling prowess, Muhammad claimed the title last July by defeating Leon Edwards. Despite his grappling background, he often compares his boxing style to that of ring legend Canelo Alvarez.
In a video shared on Instagram by Misfits boxing star Slim Albaher, Muhammad showcased his boxing skills during a brief sparring session with Albaher. The two, long-time friends, finally found time to train together, with Albaher—a professional boxer boasting a 7-1 record with five knockouts—engaging Muhammad solely in boxing techniques.
Albaher captioned the post by referring to the session as a “training with twin siblings” and honored Muhammad as a “UFC World Champion.” Muhammad responded by calling Albaher “my brother,” highlighting their close bond. Fans had mixed reactions to Muhammad’s boxing display, joking about his “Canelo hands” compared to Albaher’s relative inexperience. Since Albaher only began boxing in 2019 for a match against Yousef “Fousey” Erakat, he is still refining his skills.
Top boxing figures like former champions Kal Yafai and Hamza Sheilaz responded with positive emoji reactions, while comments on social media platforms like X were more critical. Some viewers noted Muhammad’s amateurish movements and risky guard, while others sympathized, acknowledging the challenge of sparring someone they admire.
Fan Take: This glimpse of Belal Muhammad stepping into the boxing ring highlights the growing crossover between MMA and boxing, intriguing fight fans with the potential for new hybrid talents. It signals a trend where fighters diversify their skills, which could blur the lines between combat sports and open exciting doors for future matchups.
