Full Send Podcast Summary: Bilal Muhammad | Ep. 156

Released on May 6, 2025, by Shots Podcast Network, the Full Send Podcast, sponsored by Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, features Bilal Muhammad, the UFC Welterweight Champion, in Episode 156. Hosted by Kyle Forgeard and Bob Menery, this episode delves deep into Bilal's journey in mixed martial arts (MMA), his upcoming fight at UFC 315 in Montreal, his training regimen, relationships within the UFC, and his aspirations for the future.

1. Introduction and Pre-Fight Preparation

Hosts: Kyle Forgeard and Bob Menery kick off the episode with enthusiasm about UFC 315, highlighting Bilal Muhammad as the main guest.

Notable Quote:

• [01:00] Bob Menery: "We got a great episode today ahead of UFC 315. This Week in Montreal, we got Bilal Muhammad on the podcast."

2. Bilal Muhammad’s MMA Journey

Bilal shares his humble beginnings in MMA, starting later than many fighters at age 23. His transition from aspiring lawyer to professional fighter was influenced by reconnecting with his high school wrestling coach, Lewis Taylor. Bilal's determination led him to compete professionally after just three amateur fights, quickly amassing a 9-0 record and securing a Titan FC belt before joining the UFC.

Notable Quotes:

• [17:08] Bilal Muhammad: "I was hooked. I have like an addictive personality. I just went all in with it."
• [18:45] Bilal Muhammad: "They called me. It was like, during Ramadan... I was 1 and 2 in the UFC. I don't like it. They were gonna cut me."

3. Overcoming Early UFC Challenges

Bilal discusses his initial struggles in the UFC, including his first two losses. These experiences were pivotal, leading him to overhaul his training approach by seeking new training partners and adopting a more structured, strategic regimen. Training with elite fighters like Anthony Pettis at Rufus Sport in Milwaukee significantly enhanced his skills and preparation.

Notable Quotes:

• [20:39] Bilal Muhammad: "I need to find other guys to train with. I went down to Milwaukee, started training with Anthony Pettis and the guys at Rufus Sport."
• [22:15] Bilal Muhammad: "It's like a science instead of, let's just go out there and see what happens."

4. Upcoming Fight at UFC 315

Bilal elaborates on his strategy for the upcoming fight against Leon Edwards. Emphasizing his well-rounded skills, he aims to outbox Edwards and exploit his opponent’s weaknesses, anticipating that pushing Edwards will lead to a favorable outcome.

Notable Quotes:

• [34:35] Bilal Muhammad: "I want to embarrass him with boxing. I want to outbox him and then make him want to grapple."
• [34:42] Bilal Muhammad: "It's my goal to finish more fights, but I'm dominating these guys for a full 25 minutes."

5. Relationship with Islam Makhachev and Division Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Bilal’s relationship with fellow fighter Islam Makhachev. Bilal emphasizes their strong bond and mutual respect, asserting that fighting friends like Islam isn't an option due to their brotherhood. He also touches upon the current competitive landscape in the welterweight division, mentioning other top contenders like Sean Brady, Justin Gaethje, and Kamaru Usman.

Notable Quotes:

• [10:01] Bilal Muhammad: "For me, the loyalty means more than anything... I would never want to disrespect him in any way."
• [24:17] Bilal Muhammad: "I think GSP, he's just so smart and he's better everywhere. He's more well-rounded."

6. Training with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Bilal shares insights from training alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov, highlighting the sense of brotherhood and relentless work ethic that Khabib instilled in him. This camaraderie and dedication have been instrumental in Bilal’s continuous improvement and success in the octagon.

Notable Quotes:

• [26:43] Bilal Muhammad: "What I learned from training with Khabib is to level up everywhere. It's a brotherhood."
• [26:55] Bilal Muhammad: "Nobody has an ego. He shows his humbleness and cares for everyone around him."

7. Philosophies and Motivations

Bilal delves into his personal philosophies, particularly his approach to handling victories and defeats. Rooted in his faith, Bilal emphasizes gratitude in all outcomes, viewing losses as opportunities for growth and understanding their place in his journey.

Notable Quotes:

• [29:58] Bilal Muhammad: "Allah's plan is the best plan. If God wants you to lose, it's meant to lose."
• [31:17] Bilal Muhammad: "Proving everybody who's thought that I couldn't make it here... watch me prove you wrong."

8. Future Aspirations and Legacy

Looking ahead, Bilal expresses his desire to solidify his legacy by defeating top-tier opponents and potentially moving up to the Middleweight division. He aims to showcase his versatility and dominance across multiple weight classes, ensuring his place among the UFC greats.

Notable Quotes:

• [22:42] Bilal Muhammad: "I want to leave the legacy of beating the best guys, taking the toughest challenges and winning them all."
• [31:34] Bilal Muhammad: "The people that really matter are the people in your circle... I'm gonna go all in for you guys, too."

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Bilal thanks the hosts and expresses his gratitude for the support leading up to UFC 315. The hosts reaffirm their support, mentioning they will be present at the fight in Montreal.

Notable Quotes:

• [39:27] Bilal Muhammad: "Thank you, brother."
• [39:31] Bob Menery: "UFC 315."

Summary Highlights:

• Bilal Muhammad’s Transformation: From a latecomer in MMA to UFC Welterweight Champion through dedication and strategic training.
• Importance of Brotherhood: Strong relationships within the UFC, notably with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, fostering mutual growth and respect.
• Strategic Fight Approach: Emphasis on outboxing opponents and exploiting their weaknesses to secure victories.
• Philosophical Grounding: Bilal’s faith and gratitude play a crucial role in his mindset, helping him navigate both victories and setbacks.
• Future Goals: Aspiration to cement his legacy by defeating top contenders and possibly venturing into higher weight classes.

This episode offers listeners an in-depth look into Bilal Muhammad’s mindset, training philosophy, and his path to becoming one of the elite fighters in the UFC. Through candid conversations and insightful reflections, Bilal provides valuable perspectives on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of mixed martial arts.