Kamaru Usman saw a potential title shot opportunity disappear when Belal Muhammad lost his championship at UFC 315 on Saturday.
Jack Della Maddalena became the new UFC welterweight champion at UFC 315, delivering a dominant performance over five rounds against Belal Muhammad.
After the fight, UFC President Dana White disclosed the extent of Muhammad`s injuries, which included a broken nose, fractured orbital bone, and a significant lip laceration, likely necessitating surgery.
Muhammad`s showing drew criticism, and UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev publicly mocked his loss.
Kamaru Usman Expresses Disappointment Over Muhammad`s Defeat
Muhammad`s championship reign lasted less than a year, preventing him from defending the belt against top welterweight contenders, including former champion Kamaru Usman.
Usman and Muhammad share a rivalry that escalated when Muhammad claimed he caused Usman to cry during a podcast appearance.
Before facing Della Maddalena, Muhammad had suggested that if he won, Usman could potentially get a title shot sooner due to their history.
However, with Muhammad`s championship run now over, Kamaru Usman, `The Nigerian Nightmare,` has voiced his disappointment.
Why would I be happy that he lost? I hadn’t fought him yet… We weren’t the best of friends, that’s for sure, but that doesn’t mean I`m happy he lost… We didn`t like each other, but it was a fight people wanted to see, something that was close to happening. No, I`m not excited that he lost.
Usman Suggests Muhammad`s Arrogance Contributed to Loss
Leading up to the bout, Muhammad publicly declared he wouldn`t wrestle Della Maddalena, instead intending to demonstrate his striking skills, referring to them as `Canelo hands`.
Usman believes this focus on striking and perceived arrogance contributed to Muhammad`s defeat, suggesting he underestimated Della Maddalena`s resilience.
He was almost dismissive… Della Maddalena looked like the defending champion… I felt like (Muhammad) just… it was almost like, just smirk and shrug it off… He wasn’t level changing and wasn’t really trying.
Even though Muhammad is no longer champion, a future fight between him and Usman remains possible later this year, regardless of the outcome of Usman`s upcoming match against Joaquin Buckley.
Rupert Hartwell