Belal Muhammad thinks it’s time for him and Kamaru Usman to settle the rating.
The longtime rivals could possibly be set for a combat within the close to future with Muhammad shedding his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 and Usman making a triumphant return to the division with a win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta on Saturday.
Afterwards, Usman advised reporters he expects to combat for the title after Della Maddalena defends in opposition to former light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, dismissing the potential for a Muhammad grudge match. Muhammad responded on social media, referencing an alleged confrontation on Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast that, as of now, stays unreleased.
Muhammad made it clear on his YouTube channel that he welcomes combat with Usman.
“What I see, what I need, I wished him to get on the mic and name me out,” Muhammad mentioned. “I believe that’s the following one which is smart. That’s the one combat that is smart. In case you’re speaking concerning the division, we’ve historical past. We’ve been going forwards and backwards. It’s a transparent No. 1 contender combat. He’s calling for the belt, 185, 170, however I’m No. 1. I’m nonetheless the man on the high.
“So let’s do it. I believe you may choose the date, choose the time, the place, and I’ll be prepared for it. Watching this combat, I see you’re not going to take me down like that. I believe will appear like the fifth spherical, will appear like the entire combat once we combat. It’s not going to be what Buckley was. It’s going to be quite a bit tougher, I believe it will likely be all on the toes, it’ll undoubtedly be a enjoyable combat and I’m excited for it. I’m prepared for it and it will get me hyped. I’ve been ready for it, I’ve been wanting it, so hopefully the UFC makes it.”
Muhammad’s loss to Maddalena snapped a six-year undefeated streak for “Keep in mind the Identify.” Only a few weeks shy of his thirty seventh birthday, the trail again to a title shot is murky, although he’s satisfied that taking out Usman, 38, ought to hold him within the No. 1 contender spot (what this implies for Muhammad if Makhachev, a good friend and coaching accomplice, claims the welterweight title is unclear).
Although Muhammad predicts he’ll dominate Usman for 5 rounds, he was nonetheless impressed by his rival’s comeback efficiency in opposition to Buckley.
“My preliminary response is Usman’s nonetheless bought juice left within the tank,” Muhammad mentioned. “An enormous combat for him, three losses in a row. Folks had all of the questions on the earth about him. Does he nonetheless have it? Does he nonetheless have knees? I believe he went on the market and he proved that he does nonetheless have it. He nonetheless belongs within the high of the division with the perfect guys on the earth.”
