UFC champion reacts after being picked by comedian Joey Diaz as current favorite fighter 

Veteran comedian Joey Diaz recently revealed the identity of his favorite fighter currently on the UFC roster. He also delved into how he predicted said fighter's championship success earlier this year.

Diaz appreciates several virtues in reigning UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, commending his success and perseverance. The comedian added that he knew 'Remember the Name' would emerge victorious in his title bid against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, a result few predicted.

Notably, Muhammad struggled to garner fans' attention during his ascent, and his low finishing rate in the UFC contributed to his lack of popularity. He compiled a 10-fight unbeaten streak before earning a title shot, which many believed he would lose. Diaz, however, wasn't one of them.

The longtime friend of UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently told MMA Junkie:

"The guy that really impressed me the most lately... Helal, Melal? [Belal Muhammad] Oh, that’s my dog. He has heart. I knew he was gonna be a champion the first time I saw him fight. And when he fought the last time [at UFC 304 against Leon Edwards], I knew he was gonna win."

Check out Joey Diaz's comments below:

Muhammad subsequently reacted to Diaz's appreciation and reciprocated by thanking the comedy legend, writing:

"Thankyou unc ❤️❤️@madflavor"

Check out Belal Muhammad's response below:

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Belal Muhammad discusses ideal opponent for first UFC title defense

Belal Muhammad has been going back and forth with Kamaru Usman online ever since he claimed the 170-pound belt. Usman has been making his case for a title shot lately, while Muhammad belittles the former champion for his recent losses.

Interestingly, in one of his recent interviews with the MMA reporter Kevin Iole, the 36-year-old disclosed that he would prefer the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov as his first title defense over Usman:

"For me now, I would rather it be Shavkat [Rakhmonov]. I think he has more aura. He has the undefeated part about him. There’s no excuses after beating him. If I go out there and beat Usman, Usman’s on a three-fight losing streak. He’s old, he’s on his way out, and he needs another win to get in the mix and show that he’s still hungry.”

Catch Belal Muhammad's comments below (18:55):

Usman is currently the No.2-ranked welterweight, with Rakhmonov holding the No.3 spot. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' is on a three-fight skid, with back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards before a narrow defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. On the other hand, 'Nomad's' record stands at 18-0, with 18 finishes.