Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman gave a surprising response when asked about a potential fight to settle his ongoing dispute with Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman’s return to the welterweight division for UFC Atlanta this Saturday raises numerous questions. As Usman prepares to face Joaquin Buckley, many are debating whether the former pound-for-pound king still has the capability to compete with the division`s top contenders.
Usman is currently on a three-fight losing streak, which includes two consecutive defeats in welterweight title bouts against Leon Edwards. Before this recent skid, Usman was considered one of the best fighters in the world, holding notable wins over opponents like Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
Leading up to his anticipated return to the Octagon, Usman has been engaged in a persistent feud with Belal Muhammad, who recently lost the welterweight championship.
Usman Explains Why He Isn`t Interested in Fighting Muhammad Anymore
Usman and Muhammad, who happen to be represented by the same management, are known to not be on good terms. Their animosity reportedly escalated into a physical altercation while filming an episode of Usman’s “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo.
Following their altercation, Muhammad lost the welterweight belt to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. This outcome initially suggested a possible fight between Usman and Muhammad after Usman`s upcoming bout. However, Usman has stated he is no longer interested in this matchup, as he is focused on different objectives.
During his media day press conference for UFC Atlanta, Usman clarified why the fight with Muhammad no longer appeals to him.
Usman explained, “Here’s the thing. When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal Muhammad, he had the title… 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? …You are going to give me a side deal, you are 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 engaged in a public war of words online for months. Muhammad has frequently downplayed Usman’s plans for an MMA comeback, while Usman recently hinted at a potential physical confrontation if they ever met in person.
After his loss at UFC 315, Muhammad suggested a potential return later this year against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov. A fight between Muhammad and Rakhmonov was previously scheduled for December but was canceled after Muhammad withdrew due to illness.
Regardless of the outcome at UFC Atlanta, Jack Della Maddalena is expected to make his first welterweight title defense against Islam Makhachev. Ahead of his fight, Usman expressed openness to facing Makhachev and outlined a potential path involving three fights.
Kamaru Usman`s Ambitious Three-Fight Plan
During the same media conference at UFC Atlanta, Usman proposed a fight against Makhachev after his upcoming bout with Buckley. He predicted Makhachev would defeat Della Maddalena and positioned himself to be the next contender for the welterweight title if he secures a win this weekend.
Usman`s plan involves defeating Makhachev for the welterweight title and then challenging UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in pursuit of `champ-champ` status. Usman’s most recent fight was a majority decision loss at middleweight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Usman had previously criticized Muhammad for supposedly avoiding a potential fight with Makhachev, who is Usman`s former teammate and friend. However, Usman indicated that his own friendship with Makhachev would not prevent him from seeking another UFC championship.
Jack Thornley