Russian welterweight Albert Toumenov In a conversation with , he cited the reasons for Leon Edwards’ defeat in the fight with Belal Muhammad.
Edwards, representing Great Britain, defended his UFC welterweight belt in a fight with American Muhammad in the main event of UFC 304. After five rounds, Edwards lost to the challenger by unanimous decision. Previously, Edwards had met Tumenov, who now holds the ASA league belt.
– I’m surprised. I thought there would be a decision from the judges, but in the usual boring Edwards style: hit the counter and take it. And he missed the takedowns so easily: he leaned against the net and Belal calmly moved him. He kept moving back, moving away on his own, although it was possible to move in a circle and interrupt while standing. Because Belal’s punching technique … it seems to me that, basically, he is a little better in boxing than Ben Askren. I don’t know if Edwards was afraid of something or what the problem was, he moved back on his own and let himself be translated.
— After this fight, did you have the feeling that the new strongest fighter on the planet in the category up to 77 kg had been identified?
– Actually, this fight was very boring. Look at my fight and Ustarmagomed Gadzhidaudov. Fight for the title of the ACA League. And now the fight. Huge difference. Also, I don’t know why, but I thought that Edwards would be much better in stand-up. But, in fact, he didn’t show anything either in the stands or in the fight. Maybe Belal won thanks to his cardio, pressure.
— As a basic attacker, you were surprised by the episode where Edwards tried twice to block with a very strange block and Muhammad immediately threw an uppercut under him.
– Yes, yes, yes, I saw him too and I don’t know where he found this position. This block is not suitable for MMA at all. You overlap, but you remain completely open for a pass to the legs, for a takedown. I don’t know where he became such a boxer. He just had to move, keep the center, try to shoot Belal. It seems that Colby Covington is a good wrestler, but he couldn’t take him down. Kamaru Usman too. And Belal beat him, “Tumenov told .
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I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
