UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad appears entirely unbothered by attempts from former champions Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington to provoke him during the week leading up to his next bout. While his primary focus remains on his upcoming title defense against Jack Della Maddalena scheduled for Saturday at UFC 304 in Manchester, Muhammad still took a moment to address the recent comments directed at him.
Addressing Kamaru Usman
Muhammad specifically responded to remarks made by Kamaru Usman, who speculated that security might be needed to separate them should they meet backstage at an event. There has been growing tension between the two welterweights, and Usman indicated that now that he`s scheduled for a fight in June, the animosity towards Muhammad would likely intensify if they crossed paths.
However, Muhammad seemed completely unconcerned about the prospect of a physical confrontation.
“Who? The former champion on a three-fight losing streak?” Muhammad quipped during the UFC 304 media day when asked about Usman. He added sarcastically, “I would have to be afraid of that guy with no knees and no cartilage and a big head? Nah, I think I’ll be fine.”
Muhammad also commented on an unreleased podcast episode he reportedly recorded with Usman and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo. Muhammad claimed the discussion became very heated, suggesting that Usman became visibly emotional during the exchange, which is why he believes the episode was never made public.
“If you’re a grown man and you start crying on a podcast and it’s your podcast and you start tearing up, why would you want to put it out there?” Muhammad questioned rhetorically. He humorously suggested that a highly skilled editor would be required to fix it, adding, “but I don’t think they’ve got that much money.”
Responding to Colby Covington`s Antics
Muhammad also directed criticism at former interim champion Colby Covington, who reportedly tried to antagonize him during a recent visit to the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas.
A video circulated on social media showing Covington laughing about allegedly hiding Muhammad`s pre-prepared food and calling the current welterweight champion a “f*cking bum.”
Despite Covington`s apparent satisfaction with his prank, Muhammad was quick to point out its absurdity, noting that he is currently in Manchester preparing for his fight, not in Las Vegas where the Performance Institute is located.
“He hid my food? I’m not even in Vegas,” Muhammad stated, mocking Covington`s actions. “That’s how much of a moron he is. I don’t know what he’s doing.”
Concluding his thoughts on both rivals, Muhammad grouped them together dismissively: “These guys are like YouTubers now. Kamaru’s a podcaster, Colby’s a YouTuber. They need to do a podcast together — the biggest losers.”
