Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman delivered an unexpected answer when questioned about resolving his conflict with Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman`s upcoming return to the welterweight ranks before UFC Atlanta this Saturday raises more uncertainties than certainties. As Usman gets ready to fight Joaquin Buckley, speculation arises about whether the former pound-for-pound king still possesses the capability to compete with the top fighters in the division.
Usman is currently on a three-fight losing streak, which includes consecutive losses for the welterweight title against Leon Edwards. Prior to this slump, he was considered one of the world`s elite pound-for-pound mixed martial artists, securing victories against notable opponents such as Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
While Usman prepares for his anticipated comeback to the Octagon, he has maintained a public disagreement with the recently defeated welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman Clarifies Lack of Interest in Belal Muhammad Fight
Despite being managed by the same agency, Usman and Muhammad share a strained relationship. Reports suggest the two former champions had a physical altercation during the filming of an episode for Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast, which he co-hosts with Henry Cejudo.
Following their confrontation, Muhammad lost his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. This development seemingly created an opportunity for a fight with Usman after his bout in Atlanta. However, Usman has indicated he is no longer interested in pursuing this rivalry, citing his focus on higher goals.
Speaking at his UFC Atlanta media day press conference, Usman elaborated on why a fight against Muhammad is no longer appealing to him.
Usman stated, “Here’s the thing. When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal Muhammad, he had the title.” He added, “Let’s be honest, we aren’t the best of friends, but I don’t wish him any bad, he’s my Muslim brother, so I don’t wish him any bad. But what do you have to offer me? Are you going to give me a side deal, are you going to throw me a little extra cash on the side? If you are willing to do that, maybe. But who knows?”
Muhammad and Usman have exchanged insults online over several months. Muhammad has consistently dismissed Usman`s intentions for an MMA comeback, while Usman recently suggested a physical confrontation was possible if they met in person.
Following his 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 initially scheduled for December but was cancelled when Muhammad pulled out due to illness.
Regardless of the outcome in UFC Atlanta, Jack Della Maddalena is anticipated to make his first welterweight title defense against Islam Makhachev. Prior to his Atlanta bout, Usman expressed openness to a potential fight with Makhachev, outlining a three-fight plan for his future.
Kamaru Usman Reveals Ambitious Three-Fight Roadmap, Including `Champ-Champ` Goal
During his UFC Atlanta media day press conference, Usman proposed a fight against Makhachev following his upcoming match with Buckley. He predicted Makhachev would defeat Della Maddalena in their anticipated matchup and believes a win this weekend would position him as the next challenger for the title.
Usman`s plan involves defeating Makhachev and then challenging UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in an attempt to achieve `champ-champ` status. Usman`s most recent fight was at middleweight, where he lost a majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Previously, Usman criticized Muhammad for supposedly avoiding a fight with Makhachev, who is Muhammad`s former teammate and long-time friend. However, Usman stated that his own friendship with Makhachev would not prevent him from pursuing another UFC championship.
