Mike Valle's work has been seen in premiere MMA for a long time. However, 2024 was the year when his coaching really stood out. The veteran trainer, who operates out of Chicago with VFS Academy, helped create two UFC champions this year and helped further the trajectories of other UFC and regional fighters.
Valle's most notable work came through Belal Muhammad, who captured the UFC welterweight title after one of the longest and toughest title campaigns in the promotion's history. It was also enforced by Julianna Peña reclaiming her UFC women's bantamweight belt, and prospect Ignacio Bahamondes' resurgence. Belal Muhammad Muhammad didn't have it easy.
The promotion didn't favor him like they have with some of their other fighters, such as Sean O'Malley or Darren Till. There was no fast track to the belt. The general MMA fanbase, at least the majority of it, wasn't vouching for him to get his due, either.
Valle stood by Muhammad's side, knocking off one contender after the next. After a 10-fight unbeaten streak, which spanned five years, "Remember the Name" finally got his much deserved shot at UFC gold. On July 27, 2024, Muhammad traveled to enemy territory to challenge British champion Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC 304.
To many's surprise, not only did Muhammad win, but over the course of 25 minutes, mixing up his striking and wrestling flawlessly. Muhammad, the team captain of VFS, added the first UFC undisputed title to Valle's 2024 run. It was a big moment for V.
