Belal Muhammad thinks it’s time for him and Kamaru Usman to settle the rating.
The longtime rivals might be set for a battle within the close to future with Muhammad dropping 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 informed reporters he expects to battle for the title after Della Maddalena defends towards former light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, dismissing the possibility of 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 battle with Usman.
“What I see, what I need, I wished him to get on the mic and name me out,” Muhammad mentioned. “I feel that’s the subsequent one which is smart. That’s the one battle that is smart. Should you’re speaking concerning the division, we’ve historical past. We’ve been going backwards and forwards. It’s a transparent No. 1 contender battle. He’s calling for the belt, 185, 170, however I’m No. 1. I’m nonetheless the man on the prime.
“So let’s do it. I feel you possibly can decide the date, decide the time, the place, and I’ll be prepared for it. Watching this battle, I see you’re not going to take me down like that. I feel will appear like the fifth spherical, will appear like the entire battle once we battle. It’s not going to be what Buckley was. It’s going to be quite a bit tougher, I feel it will likely be all on the toes, it should undoubtedly be a enjoyable battle 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 maintain 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 towards Buckley.
“My preliminary response is Usman’s nonetheless acquired juice left within the tank,” Muhammad mentioned. “A giant battle for him, three losses in a row. Individuals had all of the questions on this planet about him. Does he nonetheless have it? Does he nonetheless have knees? I feel he went on the market and he proved that he does nonetheless have it. He nonetheless belongs within the prime of the division with the very best guys on this planet.”
