In the UFC, it is not uncommon for a champion to be interested in the idea of challenging the champion of a higher-weight class. Currently, there is considerable excitement about a potential fight between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Recently, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman shared his insights on this topic.
Most recently, while reviewing Islam Makhachev’s recent victory over Renato Moicano, Kamaru Usman explored possible future opponents for Makhachev. He concluded that a fight between Makhachev and Belal Muhammad would be an exciting matchup, which generated significant reactions from fans and analysts alike.
Isn’t this the same chap who wouldn’t fight Adesanya because they met like twice?
Sean Sheehan via X (@SeanSheehanBA)
Recently, notable MMA journalist Sean Sheehan raised an interesting question regarding Usman’s call for a fight between Makhachev and Muhammad. A few years ago, Usman was a dominant champion in the UFC, having defeated nearly every formidable challenger during his reign. Consequently, he was frequently linked to a potential fight with the then UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya.
Isn’t this the same chap who wouldn’t fight Adesanya because they met like twice? https://t.co/tp6JQl42WC
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) January 21, 2025
The fight between Usman and Adesanya never took place due to various reasons. Notably, both fighters were not particularly interested in facing each other, as they had a close, brotherly bond. They often cited their African heritage as the most obvious reason.
Similarly, Muhammad and Makhachev have also steered clear of discussions about a potential matchup. When Usman called for a fight between the current UFC lightweight and welterweight champions, many fans and analysts found his request to be hypocritical.
Islam Makhachev hails from the renowned MMA lineage of Dagestan. He trains under the supervision of former undisputed UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Interestingly, prior to his championship fight, Belal Muhammad also trained with the ‘Eagle’ and other fighters from Dagestan. As a result, Muhammad has developed a strong friendship with many of them, including Makhachev.
Belal Muhammad with Islam Makhachev and his tean at UFC 310 (Image via Instagram/@bullyb170)Due to their strong camaraderie, Muhammad and Makhachev are not particularly interested in facing each other in the octagon. However, when Kamaru Usman, with whom Muhammad shares a heated rivalry, ignited discussions about his potential champion vs. champion fight, it infuriated him. Consequently, the UFC welterweight champion vented his feelings about Usman on social media.
Stop speaking my name until you finally end your losing streak … or you change the podcast name to “loss after loss.”
Belal Muhammad via X (@bullyb170)
Stop speaking my name until you finally end your losing streak … or you change the podcast name to “loss after loss”
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 20, 2025
Muhammad appeared to take a jab at the former champion by highlighting his recent struggles in the octagon. Usman has been unable to secure a victory since losing his welterweight title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278. As of now, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ has not responded to Muhammad’s comments. It remains to be seen how long these two UFC fighters will continue their back-and-forth exchanges.
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