In the UFC welterweight division, few rivalries have been as puzzling and unconventional as the one between former champion Kamaru Usman and current title contender Belal Muhammad. What makes their beef particularly interesting is how it developed mostly outside the cage. Unlike traditional MMA rivalries that stem from in-fight drama or personal attacks, the Usman-Muhammad tension reached its peak during a podcast recording that never saw the light of day. <\/p>
According to Henry Cejudo, who witnessed the whole thing, the atmosphere got so heated that “hands were thrown, slaps were given.<\/em><\/strong>” That’s quite a claim as most podcast beefs usually involve nothing more dangerous than harsh words and maybe some awkward silence.<\/p> Now that Belal Muhammad has lost his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Muhammad had recently expressed interest in fighting Usman as a way to climb back toward championship contention. However, Usman doesn’t seem particularly motivated by the prospect. During UFC<\/a> Atlanta media day, the former champion made it clear that their relationship isn’t built on the same kind of genuine hatred that fueled his previous rivalries.<\/p> “Now here’s the thing, when Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal Muhammad. He had the title. Let’s be honest here, we’re not the best of friends, but I don’t wish him any bad. But what do you have to offer me? You going to give me a side deal? You going to throw me a little extra cash on the side? If he’s willing to do that, maybe. But who knows? I hope he’s recovering well. That was a tough loss. Hopefully, he bounces back.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>Kamaru Usman Not Interested In The Fight Anymore<\/h2>