The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ is ready to return to his natural habitat. After months of speculation, UFC finally announced the much-anticipated title bout between Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards. However, Kamaru Usman is unhappy with how things are going in the welterweight division and plans to make some reforms.
During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound show with Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman revealed that he doesn’t like the idea of Edwards and Muhammad slowing down the welterweight division. The fighter also suggested that he has plans to return to the welterweight division soon.
The fight…should’ve been announced a long, long time ago. I feel like they’ve kind of just been pretty much holding up the division. Belal won’t fight anyone but Leon. Leon, I don’t know if he’s saying no to anybody or if they’re not offering him anybody…About time, about time. Now we have some sort of clarity in that welterweight division and I think it can move again. And the king may return, you know.
Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
Usman lost his UFC welterweight title to Leon Edwards back in 2022. Since then, the fighter has lost two more bouts consecutively. His last fight was against Khamzat Chimaev in the middleweight, which he lost via majority decision. Usman is still the #1 fighter in the welterweight division and is hungry to get back his winning momentum.
Kamaru Usman says that Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad have been “holding up the division”:
“[Leon vs Belal] should’ve been announced a long, long time ago. I feel like they’ve kind of just been pretty much holding up the division.
Belal won’t fight anyone but Leon. Leon, I… pic.twitter.com/mnNWq8Opjo
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 18, 2024
On the other hand, Edwards vs. Muhammad welterweight title showdown is scheduled to take place at UFC 304. Ahead of the fight card, the hype is massive. The English fans are known for making noise; this time, it is expected to be humongous. As such, Muhammad has a tall task of overcoming the hometown hero to become the next champion.
Belal Muhammad reacts to finally getting his much-awaited welterweight title shot
Belal Muhammad might be the most neglected top contender in the UFC in recent times. The fighter is currently on an impressive nine-fight unbeaten streak and has asked for the title shot for over a year. The UFC finally agreed to the fight, which was massive news for the challenger.
Belal Muhammad reacts to his title shot against Leon Edwards (via X)During a recent interview with Jon Anik, the welterweight title challenger shared his reaction after finally seeing the poster of the fight. According to the fighter, it was an unreal feeling for him.
Nothing is ever in stone until I see a contract or until I see a poster and finally now, seeing the poster, seeing it come out of (Dana White’s) mouth on Instagram, because I’ve been waiting for that announcement. For him to finally do it, it was kind of surreal.
Belal Muhammad via Anik and Florian Podcast
The last time Muhammad fought Leon Edwards, it ended up in no contest due to an accidental eye poke. However, at UFC 304, the pair will get another chance to settle their unfinished business. It would be interesting to see if Edwards manages to keep his belt after UFC 304 and what the future holds for the division.
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