MMA fighters Belal Muhammad and Khabib Nurmagomedov are often seen training together and speaking highly of each other in public. This camaraderie between the two UFC fighters has led fans to wonder if they are both related to each other. So, are the two brothers? Let’s find out!
Belal Muhammad and Khabib Nurmagomedov
The Russian fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov has been touted as The Eagle by the MMA world. He is known for holding the record longest undefeated fighting streak in MMA history. Khabib started his MMA career in 2008 when he was 20 years old. He made his UFC debut in 2012 and also holds the longest winning streak in the lightweight division with 11 wins. The Russian fighter retired from the sport in 2020 and has since ventured into the business world. He is also known for coaching his close friends and family for UFC and MMA fights.
Belal Muhammad is one of the few fighters who have been coached by Khabib. The duo started working together when Belal was set to face Sean Brady in the ring. Belal certainly won the fight after a second-round TKO sent Brady to the ground. Belal credited Khabib’s coaching for his win while talking to UFC in a post-match interview.
“The only thing I heard was coach Khabib in the corner finish him, finish him and I’m like everybody’s saying what Khabib’s gonna do in the corner and I’m like bro he made me finish him. He forced me to do it. He kept on pushing me and when coach Khabib talks I listen.”
Are Belal and Khabib brothers?
Many fans believe that the two MMA fighters are related to each other. Both fighters have certain similarities which could lead the fans to this assumption. They are both devout Muslims and ruthless MMA fighters. However, Belal was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He was born to a Palestinian mother, Maha Muhammad and an American father, Abdullah Muhammad. He was raised in a religious household that preaches Islam.
On the other hand, Khabib is a Russian fighter who hails from Dagestan, Russia. He is the first Muslim fighter to win a UFC championship. Khabib was born in the village of Sildi to an Avar family. Khabib has two siblings- an older brother named Muhammad and a younger sister named Amina.
While the two fighters are not related by blood, they share a close bond owing to their common religion and mutual respect. Belal looks up to Khabib and has often spoken highly of him in public. Khabib had also shared an Instagram post with Belal with a caption that read- “My Palestinian Brother.”
Belal Muhammad also mentioned how humble Khabib is before his rematch with Vincente Luque.
“He’s such an icon, a huge mentor for any Muslim fighter, or if you’re a Muslim in general. Just to see the way he holds himself the whole way. The way that the whole world sees him as such a humble guy and he’s truly that even in person.”
He also added how belonging to the same culture has helped him build a closer bond with Khabib and his teammates. While training for his fight, Belal stated that he had made the best decision by choosing to train with Khabib and the team.
“Honestly, it’s been amazing. The hospitality, they welcome you with open arms. It’s been amazing. There’s a language barrier but we all speak Islam, we all speak Muslim, we all speak martial arts.”
“The best thing I ever did, the best choice I ever made was coming down here and training with them. Not only for my martial arts but for my Islam, for my religion,”
