The war of words between Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman will not end anytime soon.
Belal Muhammad proposes legacy fight with ex-UFC champion – “Directly under GSP”
It’s a relatively new rivalry in the UFC welterweight division after newly crowned champion Muhammad caught Usman’s attention with a dominant title win over Leon Edwards at UFC 304. Usman has been vocal about his desire to challenge for the title again, and that could potentially be next, as Muhammad has considered a title defense against the former champion alongside top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Although Usman has now lost three fights to Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev, the 37-year-old was once the best in the world with five title defenses and one of the most versatile skill sets in the UFC.
If the opportunity arises, Usman hopes to face Muhammad to become champion for a second time. However, he is not particularly impressed with Muhammad, even though he defeated his former opponent Edwards last time out.
“You’re kind of a not so good version of myself. Everything he does, I do better,” Usman said of Muhammad on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast (h/t: Championship rounds). “He said: ‘I did what you couldn’t do: I beat Leon Edwards…'”
“I beat Leon Edwards and in the second fight I dominated Leon Edwards until lightning struck and he landed a kick. Becoming the new champion goes to your head. It’s like drinking your first beer. It’s like suddenly you’re talking ruthlessly to everyone.”
Usman was referring to his title loss to Edwards at UFC 278, a fight he was heading into until Edwards knocked him out with a head kick in the final round.
Muhammad also experienced a final scare in his fight against Edwards, but survived and took home welterweight gold after following a similar fight plan to Usman.
Muhammad has previously criticized Usman for his recent comments and would do so again on Thursday after “The Nigerian Nightmare” insisted he does everything better than the current champion.
“A better version of me? Then stand by your word,” Muhammad replied to Usman’s ‘X“Let’s see who can do more jump squats… besides, I took the kick to the head better than you.”
A better version of me? Stick to your word. Let’s see who can do more jump squats… also, I took the head kick better than you 💀🔫 https://t.co/OyofdlC5a0
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) 15 August 2024
UFC News: Kamaru Usman must fight top challenger before champ Belal Muhammad
While a title fight between Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman doesn’t necessarily seem to make sense at this point (due to Usman’s losing streak), their rivalry is worth keeping a close eye on as the welterweights continue to trade blows online in anticipation of a potential clash.
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