Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman gave an unexpected answer when asked about resolving his conflict with Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman`s upcoming return to the welterweight division at UFC Atlanta this Saturday raises more questions than it answers. With Usman set to face Joaquin Buckley, many are debating if the former pound-for-pound king still has the capability to compete with the top fighters in the weight class.
Usman is currently on a three-fight losing streak, which includes two straight defeats to Leon Edwards for the welterweight title. Prior to this downturn, Usman was considered among the very best fighters globally, boasting impressive victories over opponents such as Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
As Usman gets ready for his highly anticipated comeback fight, he has been involved in a long-standing rivalry with Belal Muhammad, who recently lost his welterweight championship.
Kamaru Usman Explains His Lack of Interest in Fighting Belal Muhammad
Usman and Muhammad, both managed by the same agency, are known rivals rather than friends. Reports suggest the two former champions had a physical altercation during the filming of an episode for Usman`s `Pound 4 Pound` podcast alongside Henry Cejudo.
Following their reported conflict, Muhammad lost the welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. This defeat potentially cleared the path for a fight against Usman after UFC Atlanta. However, Usman has indicated he is no longer motivated to settle their rivalry, citing higher aspirations.
During his media appearance for UFC Atlanta, Usman elaborated on why a fight with Muhammad no longer appeals to him.
“Here`s the reality. When Belal Muhammad held the championship, there was a compelling reason to fight him – he possessed the title,” Usman stated.
“Frankly, we aren`t close friends, but I bear him no ill will; he is my Muslim brother. However, what does he have to gain by fighting me now?”
“Is he prepared to offer me a special arrangement, perhaps some additional compensation on the side? If that were the case, maybe. But who can say?”
Muhammad and Usman have exchanged insults online for several months. Muhammad has frequently dismissed Usman`s plans for an MMA comeback, while Usman recently suggested there would be a physical confrontation if they were to meet in person.
Following Muhammad`s defeat at UFC 315, the former champion hinted at returning later this year to face the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov. A fight between Muhammad and Rakhmonov was originally scheduled for December but was canceled when Muhammad withdrew due to illness.
Regardless of the outcome at UFC Atlanta, Jack Della Maddalena`s first defense of the welterweight title is anticipated to be against Islam Makhachev. Before his upcoming fight, Usman expressed openness to a potential clash with Makhachev, outlining a potential three-fight path for himself.
Kamaru Usman`s Three-Fight Plan Includes Bid for `Champ-Champ` Status
Further into his UFC Atlanta media session, Usman proposed a fight against Makhachev following his scheduled bout with Buckley. He predicts Makhachev will defeat Della Maddalena in their anticipated matchup, and Usman believes a win this weekend would position him as the next challenger for the title.
Usman`s plan involves defeating Makhachev and then pursuing a challenge for the UFC middleweight championship held by Dricus du Plessis, aiming to become a `champ-champ`. Usman`s most recent fight was a middleweight bout at UFC 294, where he lost to Khamzat Chimaev via majority decision.
Usman had previously criticized Muhammad for seemingly avoiding a potential fight with Makhachev, who is Muhammad`s former teammate and long-time friend. However, despite his own friendly relationship with Makhachev, Usman stated that nothing would deter him from pursuing another UFC title.
Percy Harlow