Belal Muhammad Confirms Injury Rumors After UFC 288 Win Over Gilbert Burns

Belal Muhammad discusses the injury he had going into UFC 288.

(via Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Belal Muhammad emerged victorious at UFC 288, and rumored ankle issues have been confirmed by the top-ranked welterweight.

Muhammad shared the Octagon with Gilbert Burns in the co-main event of UFC 288. The action was held inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Muhammad turned in a fairly one-sided performance over "Durinho," who suffered a shoulder injury during the fight. "Remember the Name" scored a unanimous decision win.

READ MORE: Belal Muhammad Outlasts Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 in New Jersey

It was an interesting twist for hardcore MMA fans who speculated that Muhammad was the one dealing with an injury going into UFC 288. Footage of Muhammad going into the fight appeared to reveal a swollen ankle. Some speculated that Muhammad was walking with a limp.

During an interview with John Morgan for MMA Underground, Muhammad confirmed the rumors.

"It was a sprained ankle and there was just swelling around it and we were using it a lot 'cause we knew we were gonna be doing a lot of kicking in this fight," Muhammad said. "So, it was just like we just gotta get through this fight, 25 minutes, doesn't matter what pain we're going through, we're gonna get through it. In the end, we'll take all the rest we need 'cause we gotta wait for these two clowns to fight anyway."

The "two clowns" Muhammad was referring to are reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. The two are expected to throw down at some point this year.

READ MORE: Colby Covington Says 'Racist' Belal Muhammad Won't Get UFC Title Shot Next

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