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 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 combat for the title after Della Maddalena defends in opposition to 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 combat with Usman.
“What I see, what I need, I needed him to get on the mic and name me out,” Muhammad stated. “I believe that’s the following one which is sensible. That’s the one combat that is sensible. For those who’re speaking in regards to the division, we have now 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 to be the fifth spherical, will appear to be the entire combat once we combat. It’s not going to be what Buckley was. It’s going to be loads tougher, I believe it will likely be all on the ft, it is going to 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 “Bear in mind the Identify.” Just some 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 preserve him within the No. 1 contender spot (what this implies for Muhammad if Makhachev, a buddy and coaching companion, 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 acquired juice left within the tank,” Muhammad stated. “An enormous combat for him, three losses in a row. Folks had all of the questions on this planet 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 most effective guys on this planet.”
