Kamaru Usman has openly stated that there is considerable animosity between himself and the current UFC welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad.
Both fighters have upcoming bouts scheduled. Muhammad is set to make his first title defense headlining UFC 315 this Saturday against Jack Della Maddalena. Usman, meanwhile, will end a nearly two-year layoff when he faces Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta.
Usman revealed that since Muhammad captured the title, the new champion has been targeting him on social media. Usman mentioned his preference for discussing matters directly, which they attempted during a notable, unaired episode of his podcast, “Pound 4 Pound,” co-hosted by Henry Cejudo. The conversation became heated, and Usman suggested their relationship has deteriorated to the point where security might be required if they encounter each other backstage at a UFC event.
“Probably,” Usman confirmed when speaking to ESPN MMA. He explained that while he is typically composed outside the cage, being inactive for nearly two years changes a fighter`s mindset. He observed that people often expect fighters to be perpetually “on go mode,” but this shifts during periods away from active competition. Returning to the competitive environment, he feels, brings a heightened state of alert.
Usman recounted a conversation he had with Georges St-Pierre about this very transition. He concluded that now that he is back in the competitive mix, the possibility of a confrontation with Muhammad is significant enough that security would likely be needed if they crossed paths backstage.
Muhammad holds an impressive record, being unbeaten in his last 11 fights. He steadily climbed the divisional ranks before securing his title opportunity at UFC 304 in July. There, “Remember the Name” delivered a dominant performance to defeat Leon Edwards and claim the UFC welterweight championship for the first time.
While his winning streak is certainly remarkable, sustained title defenses are the critical factor in a fighter being recognized among the division`s all-time greats. Usman was asked whether Muhammad possesses the ability to join the ranks of fighters like Matt Hughes, Georges St-Pierre, and himself by establishing a dominant, generational reign at 170 pounds.
“I think so,” Usman responded. He elaborated that true dominance in a division requires a fighter to be highly skilled in all areas. Divisions where the title frequently changes hands often indicate that the champion is lacking proficiency in some aspect of the game.
Usman believes Belal has reached a stage where, similar to past dominant champions, he is capable across the board. Although his punching power hasn`t been fully demonstrated, Usman suggested that with time as champion, Muhammad might develop confidence in his striking. Therefore, the potential for a lasting legacy exists. However, Usman emphasized that this potential will only be realized if Muhammad successfully navigates the diverse challenges presented by fighters such as himself, Buckley, Michael Morales, Ian Machado Garry, and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Overcoming these varied styles is essential for building a significant legacy.
Marcus Blakely