The UFC thrives on rivalries, and while the Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov clash has been grabbing attention, another intense feud is quietly simmering, ready to explode. And it’s none other than between UFC champion Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman. Last year, tensions between them were already boiling over, but things escalated when Usman pushed Makhachev to fight Belal. In response, the welterweight champ fired back, calling him a podcaster and suggesting stepping away from the sport.
In a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound Podcast, Usman suggested that Makhachev should challenge Belal to complete his double champion dream. However, the current welterweight champ wasn’t happy with the comment and took a shot at ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’ When asked about it by MMA Junkie, Belal fired back, saying Usman should just quit the sport since he’s clearly more of a podcaster now.
In his words, “He is on a three-fight losing streak. And when these guys are calling him out he is acting like he is the champion. Like they should call him out. But bro, you’re just a podcaster now. You haven’t fought in over a year. If you’re not gonna defend your ranking, then leave. Quit.”
Belal Muhammad goes OFF on Kamaru Usman for urging him to face Islam Makhachev. 😳
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 23, 2025
"Bro, you're just a podcaster now. You haven't fought in over a year. If you're not gonna defend your ranking, then leave. Quit."
(via @MMAJunkieGeorge, @TheGoze) pic.twitter.com/5bEkHt0Wgi
Belal Muhammad, with his close ties to Team Khabib, called out Usman for wanting to fight him. He pointed out that Usman and Adesanya had never trained together, and while Usman tried to claim they did, Belal dismissed it, saying he’d never been in the same room with them to make such assumptions.
Islam Makhachev Wants To Face Winner Of Belal Muhammad Vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
Ahead of UFC 311, Makhachev made it clear that he’s aiming for the welterweight title. While a potential fight with Ilia Topuria could happen, the lightweight champion isn’t too interested. Makhachev is focused on becoming a double champion, prioritizing the welterweight title. In a recent interview with Shak MMA, he mentioned that the winner of Belal vs. Shavkat seems more likely as an opponent and that a fight with Topuria doesn’t make sense to him, as he’s not after money or belts he already has. He’s aiming for that second title.
He said, “I think the winner of Belal vs. Shavkat is more likely. Topuria doesn’t make sense. For what? For a belt, for money. I have money, I don’t need it. I need the second belt.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
It’ll definitely be interesting to see who Makhachev faces next, especially with Belal not quite ready for a fight with him. However, the UFC lightweight champ has already made his intentions clear and is laser-focused on securing that second title.
Also Read: Colby Covington Believes He’s Still UFC Champion Material, Sees Belal Muhammad As Perfect Opponent
