Kamaru Usman Warns UFC To Keep Guards Ready If Belal Muhammad Is Nearby

Kamaru Usman gets ridiculed by Belal Muhammad

Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad

There are always at least two fighters in every division who have bad blood, whether it’s due to regional rivalries or just a lack of respect for each other. Similarly, in the UFC welterweight division, Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad have had beef for a long time. Now, ahead of UFC 315, Usman has issued a warning to UFC champ Belal, telling him to tighten up his security if he’s going to be around him.

Talking to ESPN, Usman explained that he’s usually calm and composed outside of the cage. However, after being away from the high-stress environment of competition for nearly two years, he pointed out that being in the middle of the action requires staying on constant alert. Reflecting on a conversation with Georges St-Pierre, Usman acknowledged that now, being back in the thick of things, security would likely be needed if the two crossed paths backstage.

“Probably, (security would be needed if we were backstage). I say that only because, obviously, I’m very level headed and especially when I’m outside of the cage but for the last almost two years now, I haven’t been in the thick of it,” he said.

The rivalry between Usman and Muhammad has escalated, beginning with a heated exchange on Usman’s Pound for Pound Podcast. Muhammad claimed he nearly brought Usman to tears during their unreleased clash, which fans still request. With Usman returning to 170lbs, the Nigerian fighter believes a win over Buckley could lead to a fight, settling their ongoing feud.

Belal Muhammad Mocks Kamaru Usman

Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman

Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman

In a conversation with MMA Junkie, Belal explained that Usman posts comments or gym photos, like the one with Israel Adesanya, to keep himself in the spotlight whenever big fights are coming up. Belal believes it’s more about staying relevant than actually preparing for a return. He said Usman has been away for over two years and is now focusing on his podcast to stay in the conversation.

There’s no doubt that Usman is just one big win away from getting another shot at the title. If he does, and Belal wins against Jack Della Maddalena, a fight between the two would be exciting to watch. And it will be massive for the company and fans as well.