Belal Muhammad has been calling the shots since he became the UFC welterweight champion. The Palestinian-American fighter defeated Leon Edwards and made it clear that he intended to rule the division for a long time. As expected, he has now become the target of other top welterweights such as Kamaru ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman.
Usman has been out of action for some time now and is looking forward to making a comeback against Muhammad. Belal Muhammad recently did an interview with Kevin Iole and talked about his unreleased episode on Kamaru Usman’s podcast. According to Muhmmad, he absolutely destroyed Usman with trash-talking during the podcast.
I even went on his podcast and just broke him down verbally, mentally and spiritually. He did not like not being the guy on top. He didn’t like not being the champion
Belal Muhammad via Kevin Iole’s YouTube channel
The current champion shared an instance from the podcast in which Usman stated that he does not look up to him. The champion made a smooth comeback and quickly stated that Usman was indeed looking up and chasing him. Over the last few weeks, both fighters have traded numerous internet jibes, with Muhammad having the advantage in trolling the former champion.
Belal Muhammad says he went on Kamaru Usman’s podcast and “broke him down verbally, mentally and spiritually”😳
Belal: “Feels good to be on top, everybody’s looking upwards at me.”
Usman: “I ain’t looking upwards at you.”
Belal: “The rankings tell me that you are looking… pic.twitter.com/f7fU4nuhXi
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 25, 2024
Usman suffered a similar position when he got mocked by Umar Nurmagomedov for not being the welterweight division’s boss. Aside from Usman, Shavkat Rakhmonov has called out Belal Muhammad for a title fight. UFC also targeted a UFC 307 bout between Rakhmonov and the champion.
Muhammad recommended a title eliminator between Rakhmonov and Usman, which is not a bad idea for the fans. It’s been a few months since Muhammad became the champion, and he is having the time of his life. It remains to be seen when the Palestinian-American star returns to the octagon.
Belal Muhammad’s champion mentality
Belal Muhammad had to wait for a long time to get his UFC title opportunity. The welterweight fighter defeated everybody who came in front of him and was the obvious choice for the title shot. When he finally got the opportunity at UFC 304, Muhammad left no stone unturned and put on a complete performance.
Belal Muhammad (via X)The welterweight champion has impressed many fans for his unwavering determination and hard work which helped him win the title. From brutal training sessions with Khabib Nurmagomedov to developing new skills, Muhammad did everything during the preparation. As it turns out, he always had this mentality before coming into the UFC.
If I lose one fight before getting into the UFC, I’m done fighting. I was like, If I lose outside UFC then I’m not meant to make it to the UFC.
Belal Muhammad via Verse Us with Erick Nicksick
Free backpacks and sandals are cool, but the goal was never to “just make it to the UFC” for @bullyb170 #VsUs pic.twitter.com/q3Pjr2xS2X
— Verse Us with Eric Nicksick (@vsuspod) September 24, 2024
The UFC 310 card has yet to be announced. There is a possibility that Muhammad could headline or co-main event the last PPV of the year. Regardless, either Usman or Rakhmonov will face him. It is up to the UFC who will face the champion. Merit-wise, the Kazakh fighter makes sense. Meanwhile, Usman makes sense if they want a high-profile fight.
