Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has addressed the palpable tension between himself and the division`s current titleholder, Belal Muhammad.
Both fighters are preparing for significant upcoming bouts. Muhammad is scheduled to make his first title defense this Saturday in the main event of UFC 315 against Jack Della Maddalena. Meanwhile, Usman is set for his return to the octagon after nearly two years away, headlining UFC Atlanta against Joaquin Buckley.
Usman claims that since Muhammad captured the championship, he began directing social media jabs at him. Usman preferred to resolve their issues through discussion, an attempt made during a contentious, unaired episode of his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast co-hosted by Henry Cejudo. While details of that exchange remain private, Usman suggests the situation has escalated to a point where a backstage encounter at a UFC event could potentially turn physical.
“Probably,” Usman told ESPN MMA when asked about needing security backstage with Muhammad. He explained that while he is typically composed outside of fighting, returning to active competition puts him back “in the thick of it.” Usman noted a shift in mindset, referencing a similar conversation with Georges St-Pierre about the difference between being an active fighter constantly “on go mode” versus being calm when outside that environment. Now that he`s back competing intensely, Usman believes that security might indeed be required if he and Muhammad cross paths backstage.
Belal Muhammad is currently riding an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak. He climbed the divisional ranks before earning his title opportunity at UFC 304 last July, where he defeated Leon Edwards to become champion for the first time.
While an extended winning streak is notable, the true measure of a champion`s greatness lies in successful title defenses. Usman was asked if Muhammad possesses the capability to forge a legacy comparable to legendary welterweights like Matt Hughes, Georges St-Pierre, and Usman himself.
“I think so,” Usman responded. He elaborated that sustained dominance in a division requires a champion to be well-rounded, unlike divisions where the title frequently changes hands due to fighters having noticeable skill deficiencies.
Usman assessed Muhammad`s current position, stating, “And now Belal is in a place where [like Hughes, St-Pierre, and myself], he can kind of do everything pretty good.” Although his punching power hasn`t been heavily showcased, Usman believes that as champion, Muhammad might develop more confidence in that aspect over time. Ultimately, Usman concluded that Muhammad`s potential legacy will be defined by his ability to overcome diverse challenges from top contenders, listing potential future opponents such as himself, Joaquin Buckley, Michael Morales, Ian Machado Garry, and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Successfully defeating various types of skilled fighters, according to Usman, is key to building a significant legacy.
