The ongoing dispute between former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad has taken an unexpected turn as Usman has voiced his opinions on Muhammad`s recent behavior.
As current UFC welterweight titleholder Belal Muhammad gears up to defend his belt against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, former champion Kamaru Usman suggests that Muhammad`s pre-fight comments are becoming overly aggressive. Usman believes Muhammad`s trash talk is reminiscent of tactics used by Colby Covington, Usman`s past rival.
Muhammad is set to headline UFC 315 in Montreal against Maddalena, who quickly earned a title shot after a series of victories, including a finish of Gilbert Burns at UFC 299.
Initially, Muhammad and Maddalena displayed mutual respect upon the fight announcement. However, the atmosphere has shifted recently with increasing verbal sparring.
Usman Compares Belal Muhammad to Colby Covington
Following discussions about Maddalena`s fundraising efforts to support travel expenses for UFC 315, Muhammad used social media to mock Maddalena. Maddalena retorted by criticizing Muhammad`s fighting style as `boring`.
Usman, having navigated numerous rivalries during his reign as welterweight champion, observes that Muhammad`s psychological warfare is starting to mirror that of Colby Covington.
During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman escalated his criticism of Muhammad by directly comparing his actions to those of Covington.
“I don’t think that’s very Muslim-esque,” Usman commented, questioning the alignment of Muhammad`s behavior with his religious identity. “For as much as you criticize Covington for his methods to reach the top and his disrespectful way of speaking to people, you are currently employing similar tactics.”
Usman added that fans are likely noticing the similarities but expressed anticipation for their potential fight to resolve the conflict in the octagon.
Usman recalled Covington’s personal attacks leading up to their fights, including involving Usman`s family in the pre-fight banter, a tactic Covington also used before fighting Leon Edwards at UFC 296.
Muhammad became champion by defeating Edwards at UFC 304 last July. Tensions between Usman and Muhammad are not new, with reports of a past altercation during a podcast recording.
Belal Muhammad`s Bold Prediction for UFC 315
Muhammad aims to make a statement in his first title defense at UFC 315, promising an exciting fight style emphasizing striking and moving away from his wrestling base. However, given Muhammad`s strong grappling skills, he might resort to wrestling during the fight.
Usman last competed in a middleweight bout against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. He has hinted at a possible return to welterweight later in the year, with ambitions for another title run before retiring.
A future match between Usman and Muhammad remains a possibility if Usman establishes himself as a leading contender. For now, their rivalry continues to intensify.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley