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Its def. a factor but I think Belal is one of those cases where the effect is a lot less pronounced.It's a shame he is as old as he is as champ, 37 in a couple months, as we've seen time is the ultimate decider in athletes no matter the skill set. Belal is a monster, but he's also at the age where any fight moving forward you might see him get starched and begin his inevitable decline. If he was 32 and looked like he has looked, I'd bet on him every time with the current WW lineup.
He doesn't have as much milage on him as other fighters because of how late he started MMA (started training combat sports in his early 20's).
He also isn't the most athletic fighter nor is his style based on athletics (fast-twitch-muscles, etc.). More of a workhorse, grinder-type fighting style.
I think physically speaking, he has a longer shelf-life than most. He literally looks the best he's ever looked currently in terms of speed and ability.
Compare that to power-based, fast-twitch-muscle fighters who were champions in their 20's (Jose Aldo for example - the decline is very visible).
Just my thoughts though. I'm not expecting Belal to hold the title at the age of 42 or anything but I think he is actually peaking as an athlete right now. This is the time where its all coming together for him.

