Belal Muhammad on 17-year-old training partner: ‘Feels like the Epstein files without the sex’ | BJPenn.com

Belal Muhammad mentioned the name Jeffrey Epstein during a recent UFC media day, which drew numerous surprised reactions from the MMA world at large. ‘Remember the Name’ prepares to take on rising contender Ian Machado Garry in a high-stakes welterweight clash for the November 22 UFC Fight Night main event.

During the pre-fight media day for UFC Qatar, with a clip posted X account @ChampRDSMohammed referred to documents related to underage sex trafficker Epstein and the files the Justice Department has on his impropriety, which appear to tie him strongly to many wealthy power players in America.

In the controversial statement in question, Mohammed said:

“I train with young monsters. Ignacio Bahamondes is probably 28, and I think he’s one of the best strikers in the UFC. Like I said, I have a 17-year-old now… who’s a monster, right. It feels like the Epstein files are sexless, right. I get their powers through sparring and training.”

“So it feels good and I love training with these guys every day. I learn from these guys and I grow so much from these guys. The energy they bring makes me feel younger. I’m still young in the sport. My body feels good every day when I wake up. I’m blessed to be where I am today.”

Belal Muhammad hands cap to Leon Edwards despite UFC 322 setback

Belal Muhammad still thinks Leon Edwards has a lot more gas in the tank despite his most recent setback. During his effort at the previous UFC pay-per-view offering, ‘Rocky’ Edwards was knocked out in the octagon for the first time ever when he was stopped by Carlos Prates.

During an interview with Newsweek Sports Discussing that third straight loss to Edwards, Muhammad feels like “Rocky” still has a lot of juice left. Belal Muhammad said his fellow ex-UFC 170-pound titleholder hasn’t lost to bums lately and that former champions will always have to deal with that dense schedule of elite competition. Muhammad believes this is just a small challenge for Edwards to overcome post-UFC 322.

Muhammad became the UFC welterweight champion when he claimed the belt from Leon Edwards himself. This happened by unanimous decision at UFC 304 last July. That was a rematch between the two, with Muhammad and Edwards’ first fight ending with an errant eye jab and being called a no-contest due to the unfavorable verdict.