Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman gave a surprising response when asked to settle his beef with Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman‘s return to the welterweight division brings more questions than answers ahead of UFC Atlanta this Saturday. As Usman prepares to face Joaquin Buckley, many have questioned whether or not the all-time great still has gas left in the tank to take on some of the division’s top contenders.
Usman has lost three consecutive fights overall, including back-to-back welterweight title losses to Leon Edwards. Before his current losing skid, Usman was one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, earning wins over the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
As Usman prepares for his long-awaited return to the Octagon, he’s had an ongoing feud with the recently-dethroned welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman explains why he’s no longer interested in fighting Belal Muhammad
Usman and Muhammad, who are coincidentally under the same management agency, aren’t exactly friends. The two former titleholders allegedly got into an on-set brawl while filming an episode of Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo.
Since their altercation, Muhammad lost the welterweight belt to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, opening the door to a potential Usman clash after UFC Atlanta. But for Usman, he’s no longer interested in settling their beef as he pursues lofty ambitions.
During his UFC Atlanta media day press conference, Usman explained why the Muhammad fight no longer entices him.
“Here’s the thing. When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal Muhammad, he had the title,” Usman explained.
“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?” (h/t BJPenn)
Muhammad and Usman have traded barbs online for months. Muhammad has repeatedly downplayed Usman’s MMA comeback plans, and Usman recently hinted at an ‘on site’ altercation with Muhammad if they ever came face-to-face with one another.
After Muhammad’s loss at UFC 315, the former titleholder teased a return later this year against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov. Muhammad and Rakhmonov were supposed to square off in December before Muhammad withdrew due to illness.
Regardless of who wins at UFC Atlanta, Maddalena’s first welterweight title defense is expected to take place against Islam Makhachev. Ahead of UFC Atlanta, Usman welcomed a potential showdown with Makhachev as he revealed a three-fight roadmap.
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Kamaru Usman’s three-fight plan includes a ‘champ-champ’ attempt
Later on in his UFC Atlanta media day presser, Usman pitched a clash with Makhachev after his upcoming fight with Buckley. He foresees Makhachev defeating Maddalena in their expected clash, and Usman expects to be next in line for a title shot with a win this weekend.
Usman plans on dethroning Makhachev and challenging for UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis‘s title for a chance at ‘champ-champ’ status. Usman’s last fight took place at middleweight in a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Usman previously scolded Muhammad for avoiding a potential showdown with Makhachev, his former teammate and longtime friend. But despite his own friendship with Makhachev, nothing is standing in the way of Usman’s pursuit for another UFC title.