Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Belal Muhammad on Jack Della Maddalena, Joaquin Buckley, Edwards BEEF
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Bilal Muhammad engages in an in-depth conversation with fellow mixed martial artists Michael Chiesa and special guest Daniel Cormier. The discussion revolves around Muhammad's upcoming title defense against Jack Della Maddalena, his views on the current UFC welterweight division, and personal insights into his journey as a champion.

Belal Muhammad's Journey to the Championship

Perseverance and Support System

Bilal Muhammad reflects on his journey to becoming the UFC welterweight champion, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and a strong support system. At [02:26], Muhammad states:

“For me, it was always to keep the people around me that kept pushing me, to keep people around me that wanted the best of me. Like, even when I lost, even when I got into the UFC and I started one and two. Yeah, those people around me, they stay the course. We're gonna get it.”

He highlights his faith and religious practices as pivotal factors that provided him with patience and mental strength during challenging times, particularly when facing setbacks such as early career losses.

Overcoming Adversity: The Staph Infection

Health Challenges and Resilience

Muhammad shares a harrowing experience involving a severe staph infection that threatened his career and health. At [07:09], he recounts:

“It was like, bro, what? From a bone infection? He's like, bro, it lit up. And when I had to cancel that fight, it was, like, heartbreaking.”

Despite the dire prognosis, Muhammad remained resilient, relying on his faith and the unwavering support of his team to reclaim his strength and return to the octagon stronger than before. By [08:48], he reflects:

“I mean, for myself, from what I've been through, what I've gone through, I'm on another level now, just mentally strong. It made me that much better, maybe that much physically stronger, too.”

Analysis of the Current UFC Welterweight Division

Evaluating Contenders and Matchups

Muhammad provides a critical analysis of his competitors within the welterweight division. When discussing Jack Della Maddalena, he notes Della Maddalena's winning streak and mentality:

“He's gonna break. They all break, right? They all feel that... he's going to have to shoot for a takedown, and I'm just gonna laugh and I'm all right. What do you do next?” [16:54]

He expresses confidence in his ability to counteract Della Maddalena's strategies, emphasizing his own versatility and preparedness.

Joaquin Buckley and Division Flux

The conversation shifts to Joaquin Buckley, with Muhammad expressing skepticism about Buckley's ability to topple Colby Covington:

“I don't. I mean, you're on a two-year hiatus. Buckley's been going hard, right? He's been working, he's been training, fighting well. He's fighting well. He just dominated Kobe and Kamara, went to war with Kobe. So MMA, I'm looking at, like, Buckley's about to knock him out.” [20:54]

Muhammad anticipates Buckley's continued success but remains confident in his own championship prospects.

Controversies and Interpersonal Dynamics

Podcast Incident with Kamaru Usman

A notable moment in the episode involves a past interaction between Muhammad and former champion Kamaru Usman. Muhammad recounts an incident where Usman asserted he was still the champion during a podcast interview:

“He was like, I'm the champion. Anything you do, I do better. And I was like, you don't take the head kick better than...” [19:32]

This confrontation highlights the shifting dynamics within the UFC's leadership and the personal rivalries that can arise even among top fighters.

Training and Evolution as a Champion

Continuous Improvement and Adaptation

Muhammad discusses his approach to training, emphasizing the importance of evolution and adapting new techniques:

“We constantly evolve. Like, the gym, we're not settled on, 'Okay now, we're good.' Take your foot off the gas. I'm training every single day. I'm getting better every single day.” [05:36]

He credits training partners and the high-caliber environment of his gym for his ongoing improvement, incorporating advanced techniques to stay ahead of his competition.

Future Prospects and Title Defenses

Commitment to Multiple Defenses

When questioned about moving up in weight classes, Muhammad expresses a desire to remain in the welterweight division to secure multiple title defenses:

“I feel like I need at least two or three title defenses.” [17:24]

He emphasizes the importance of solidifying his legacy within his current weight class before considering any move to a higher division.

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Muhammad reiterates his focus on his upcoming fight against Jack Della Maddalena, emphasizing his readiness and determination to defend his title successfully. The camaraderie and mutual respect among the fighters are evident, despite past conflicts and rivalries.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Belief and Support:
  “For me, it was always to keep the people around me that kept pushing me...” [03:03]

• Overcoming Adversity:
  “I am the best version. I am. Right. That was at 5 am...” [05:17]

• Confidence in Skills:
  “He's gonna break... I'm gonna laugh and I'm all right.” [16:54]

• Resilience Post-Infection:
  “I'm on another level now, just mentally strong.” [08:48]

• Championship Mindset:
  “I need at least two or three title defenses.” [17:24]

Conclusion

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Belal Muhammad's mindset as the UFC welterweight champion, his strategies for maintaining dominance in a highly competitive division, and the personal challenges he has overcome to achieve and sustain his status. Muhammad's emphasis on continuous improvement, faith, and a strong support system offers listeners an inspiring narrative of resilience and dedication in the world of mixed martial arts.