When asked to analyze the expected UFC welterweight title fight between champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad didn’t even bother to answer.
Why? Because he’s focused only on what’s next for him – which he hopes is a fight against Kamaru Usman.
“Honestly, for me, I’m not even really paying attention to anybody else,” Muhammad said during a fan Q&A before UFC 319. “I’m looking at my next fight, my next opponent. If you guys see Usman around here, make sure you tell him that I’m looking for him.”
Muhammad the opportunity to publicly apply pressure on Usman in front of fans should come as no surprise. The two former UFC champs have been feuding since May following Muhammad’s appearance on Usman’s “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo. During the interview, Muhammad and Usman had a contentious verbal exchange. The episode – which was filmed before Muhammad’s loss to Della Maddalena at UFC 315 – was never released.
Muhammad and Usman have continued to trade barbs since then. With Muhammad losing his title and Usman snapping a three-fight skid by defeating Joaquin Buckley in June at UFC Atlanta, a Muhammad vs. Usman fight could make sense – even if Usman doesn’t necessarily agree.
Muhammad has other options near the top of the welterweight division, including Ian Machado Garry. But there’s no question whom he’s looking to meet in the cage next.
“Just waiting for one of these guys to stop talking and sign the contract. We’re looking for Usman,” Muhammad said. “We’re ready. I’m ready, I’ve been ready, I’m healthy, I’ve been training. … I’m ready. I’m hungry.
