Belal Muhammad, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, is gearing up for his first title defense this Saturday at UFC 315 against Jack Della Maddalena. However, the champion is also stirring the pot with former titleholder Kamaru Usman, as tensions between the two fighters continue to escalate.
Since Muhammad captured the welterweight title by defeating Leon Edwards via unanimous decision at UFC 304 last July, the dynamics of the division have shifted significantly. Usman, once considered the dominant force in the welterweight landscape, has faced a challenging period, suffering back-to-back losses to Edwards that have left him on a three-fight losing streak.
As Muhammad prepares for his upcoming fight, he hasn't shied away from addressing his ongoing rivalry with Usman. The animosity reached a boiling point during a recent appearance on Usman's "Pound 4 Pound" podcast, where a heated exchange nearly resulted in a physical confrontation. According to all parties involved, including co-host Henry Cejudo, the podcast recording was cut short after just ten minutes due to the escalating tension.
During a subsequent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Muhammad recounted the incident, revealing how the conversation took a turn. "We were on his podcast, and Henry Cejudo was asking how does it feel to be champion, you’re at the top now. And I said well, it feels good right now, because everybody wants to listen to you, everyone thinks you’re the champ," Muhammad explained. When Usman interjected, saying, "I was the champ, too," Muhammad responded, "Yeah, but you’re not the champ anymore." This remark reportedly triggered Usman, who insisted, "But I’m right there!" Muhammad countered, reminding him, "No, bro, you’re on a three-fight losing streak."
Things escalated further when Usman claimed, "Anything you do, I do better than you," to which Muhammad shot back, "But you didn’t take the head kick better than me!" This comment, referencing Usman's knockout loss to Edwards at UFC 278, seemed to ignite Usman's frustration. "He was like ‘I don’t play these games man, it’s on sight,’" Muhammad recounted, indicating that the atmosphere was charged.
As the situation unfolded, Usman acknowledged the need for security if the two were to cross paths in the near future. "Probably," Usman stated when asked if security would be necessary, highlighting the tension that has developed over the past months. This rivalry has grown so intense that Usman admitted he and Muhammad would require separation to avoid a confrontation.
While both fighters are focused on their upcoming bouts, the stakes are high. Usman is set to return to the Octagon next month on June 14 at UFC Atlanta, where he will face Joaquin Buckley. A victory for Usman could potentially position him for a shot at reclaiming the welterweight title, especially if Muhammad successfully defends his championship against Della Maddalena.
Adding another layer to the drama is the speculation surrounding UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who may consider moving up to welterweight. Makhachev's potential move has been a topic of discussion, particularly after he was seen with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell discussing future fights. However, both Muhammad and Makhachev have dismissed the idea of facing each other, citing their close friendship and shared training under Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The upcoming UFC 315 event promises to be a pivotal moment for Muhammad as he looks to solidify his reign as champion. With the tension between him and Usman simmering just below the surface, fans are eager to see how this rivalry unfolds in the coming weeks.
As the fight approaches, Muhammad remains focused on his title defense, knowing that a successful outing could further establish his legacy in the welterweight division. Meanwhile, Usman is determined to make a statement in his return, hoping to end his losing streak and re-establish himself as a top contender.
With both fighters carrying the weight of their respective narratives into the Octagon, UFC 315 is shaping up to be an event filled with drama, excitement, and the potential for explosive matchups in the near future.
