Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman delivered an unexpected answer when asked about a potential fight to settle his long-standing rivalry with Belal Muhammad.
Usman is returning to the welterweight division for his fight against Joaquin Buckley this Saturday at UFC Atlanta. His comeback prompts questions about his ability to compete with top contenders after suffering three straight losses, including two against Leon Edwards for the welterweight title. Before this skid, Usman was a top pound-for-pound fighter with wins over notable opponents like Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
As Usman prepares for his return, he`s been involved in an ongoing feud with Belal Muhammad, who recently lost the welterweight title.
Despite sharing the same management, Usman and Muhammad are not on good terms. They reportedly had a physical altercation while filming Usman`s podcast.
Muhammad`s recent title loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 seemingly opened the door for a fight with Usman after UFC Atlanta. However, Usman stated he is no longer interested in the matchup, citing his more ambitious goals.
During his media day press conference for UFC Atlanta, Usman explained his lack of interest in fighting Muhammad.
“Here’s the thing. When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal Muhammad, he had the title,” Usman said. “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?”
Usman and Muhammad have exchanged insults online for months. Muhammad has cast doubt on Usman`s comeback, while Usman previously hinted at a physical confrontation if they met.
Following his loss at UFC 315, Muhammad hinted at facing the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov later this year. Their fight was originally scheduled for December but 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. Usman has expressed interest in facing Makhachev and recently revealed a three-fight roadmap for his future.
Kamaru Usman`s ambitious three-fight plan involves pursuing `champ-champ` status.
At the UFC Atlanta media day, Usman proposed fighting Makhachev after his bout with Buckley. He predicts Makhachev will beat Maddalena and believes a win over Buckley would position him for a title shot.
Usman`s plan is to dethrone Makhachev for the welterweight title, then challenge UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. Usman`s most recent fight was a middleweight loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Interestingly, Usman had previously criticized Muhammad for supposedly avoiding a fight with Makhachev, who is Usman`s former teammate and friend. Despite this friendship, Usman says nothing will prevent his own pursuit of another UFC title.
Rupert Hartwell