Kamaru Usman is looking to return to the title contention in the UFC. The former champion has been quite subdued after he lost his title. But now, with his fight against Joaquin Buckley coming up, Usman is looking to get up the ranks real soon. In a recent statement, Usman expressed his desire to challenge Belal Muhammad for a fight. Unfortunately, while Muhammad lost his belt, Usman is not interested anymore.
Usman recently pondered upon the chances of him fighting Muhammad. Dismissing the idea, the former UFC champion clarified that he wanted the fight because of the title. While Muhammad held the belt for a brief period, Usman got interested. Now that he is no more the champion, there was no point of signing up for the bout.
“When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal. He had a title…What do you have to offer me? You gonna throw me a little extra cash?” said Usman.
Kamaru Usman isn’t interested in a fight with Belal Muhammad anymore
“When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal. He had a title…
What do you have to offer me? You gonna throw me a little extra cash?”
@ufc #UFCAtlantapic.twitter.com/UtsiADCPZa
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 11, 2025
Surely, the zeal in his eyes to ascend to the top is quite evident. And while he is confident of putting over Buckley, Usman is envisioning a bigger picture in his mind. After all, the former champ is fancying a bout against Islam Makhachev.
Kamaru Usman Makes Islam Makhachev’s Intentions Clear
Usman wants to close out his UFC career on a high. And for that, he is eyeing a matchup with Islam Makhachev. Speaking on the same, Usman stated that Makhachev’s move to welterweight has made things interesting. And what will be even more intriguing would be a former vs current champion face-off . Provided Makhachev does win the title.
“I do think Islam has the ability to do it, but it’s not going to be easy. Fast forward — current pound-for-pound vs. former pound-for-pound — I think that’s a blockbuster. That would be a great outing to go out there and get a blockbuster before I sail off,” Usman told Kevin Iole.
Kamaru Usman breaks down Islam vs JDM and sees a blockbuster clash between himself and Islam
“I love Islam coming up. At one point, I probably would have been a little annoyed with it. I really love Islam and care for him. I think Islam vs. Jack is a fantastic fight. I… pic.twitter.com/l3DKjiB3uM
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 11, 2025
Surely, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is looking to splash big. How much he will succeed is something that we need to wait and watch.
Also Read: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley: UFC Atlanta Start Time, Streaming Details, And More