UFC star Belal Muhammad got a hero’s welcome as he drove down Wilmslow Road following his shock win over Birmingham-based fighter Leon Edwards this weekend.
In a blockbuster night of combat sports at the Co-op Live, the first time the promotion has returned to Manchester since 2016, the American mixed martial artist stunned those inside the arena and watching at home with a huge victory over the Jamaican-born Brit.
Clinching the welterweight title with a dominant display against Edwards, who saw his 12-fight unbeaten streak brought to an end, it was arguably the biggest story of the highly anticipated fight card.
Neither of the fighters are from the area but judging by the scenes along Wilmslow Road following the fight, you’d be forgiven for thinking Belal Muhammad was a Manc through and through.
As you can see from the images above, the 36-year-old and his entourage suddenly found themselves swarmed by hordes of fans and shutting down a significant stretch of Rusholme.
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You’ll find Curry Mile bustling pretty much every week in 0161 but it’s very few people that can effectively lock off a good chunk of one of Greater Manchester’s busiest roads like this – especially when Edwards was one of three big-name UK fighters being backed on the night.
The pair had faced each other previously back in 2021 but the bout ultimately had to be stopped after an accidental eye poke by the Brummy.
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Nevertheless, the question of who would come out on top was finally answered and in convincing fashion, with Muhammad throwing and out-clinching his opponent for the majority of the match before getting the win in the fifth round.
The result produced some memorable scenes out on the streets long after the referee’s decision, with the Chicago fighter of Palestinian heritage getting a rousing reception from south Manchester residents.
okay this video of Belal Muhammad riding through Manchester in Palestine colours with the belt goes kind of hard pic.twitter.com/JdJs1IgAq2
Speaking after the fight, Muhammad told the media that he was tired coming into the fight, not that it ended up being a problem, going on to definitely declare: “I’m no Khabib [Nurmagomedov], I’m no GSP [Georges St-Pierre] I’m Belal Muhammad.”
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Elsewhere, in a similarly bold statement, homegrown hero Tom Aspinall signed off his first heavyweight title defence by calling out UFC legend Jon Jones.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
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Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
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Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
29th July 2024 
