Belal Muhammad is siding with Jiri Prochazka in the UFC 327 main event, predicting the former champion will claim the vacant light heavyweight title against Carlos Ulberg at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Muhammad recently took a close look at the matchup on his YouTube channel, outlining what he believes are the keys to victory for both fighters before ultimately backing Prochazka to walk away with the belt.
For Ulberg, Muhammad stressed discipline and distance management. "I think for Ulberg, you've got to keep it at range," Muhammad said. "I think you've got to stay in kickboxing range, stay long, and you've got to be very patient. If you're clean, you're disciplined with your defense, you do not get in a fire fight, you do not get wild, I think if you keep it at a slow pace, you could do well. The low kick is there. Even the high kick is going to be there."
When it came to Prochazka, Muhammad highlighted the opposite approach. "For Jiri, you've got to create chaos," he said. "You've got to go wild. You've got to do what Jiri does. You're the most unorthodox fighter. You've got a crazy chin. ... For Jiri, I think you've got to get in close range."
Ultimately, Muhammad made his pick clear. "I'm going with Jiri," he said. "He always figures out a way to win. He has a crazy chin. He has a crazy style and mentality. I like Jiri here, and I think he's going to be the champ."
