Kamaru Usman made a powerful return to the Octagon with a commanding win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta, ending a difficult period following his third consecutive loss at UFC 294 in October 2023. This victory not only reasserted Usman’s standing in the welterweight division but also unexpectedly softened tensions with longtime rival Belal Muhammad, who openly praised Usman after their ongoing feud.
Usman’s Triumphant Comeback and Its Impact on Rivalry
After a hiatus prompted by a loss to Khamzat Chimaev that left him searching for answers, Usman reemerged with a dominant performance, controlling the fight from the outset against Buckley through effective takedowns and relentless pressure. The victory helped Usman shake off doubts about his abilities, especially questions about his physical condition and competitiveness at the division’s highest level.
This turnaround caught the attention of Belal Muhammad, who has had a strained relationship with Usman after a reported physical clash during a podcast they co-host. Despite this history, Muhammad took to YouTube shortly after Usman’s win to acknowledge his rival’s resilience and skill. Muhammad highlighted that Usman silenced critics questioning his fitness and ability to compete among the elite fighters.
My initial reactions, Usman still got juice left in the tank, right? A big fight for him. Three losses in a row. People had all the questions in the world about him,
Muhammad said.
Does he still have it? Does he still have knees? And I think he went out there and he proved that he does still have it. He still belongs in the top of the division with the best guys in the world, and he looked good.
Potential Future Clashes: Muhammad vs. Usman?
Following his own setback at UFC 315, where Muhammad lost the welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena, discussions about a possible fight between Muhammad and Usman have surfaced among fans and commentators. While Muhammad has expressed willingness to face Usman, the latter has appeared reluctant to entertain the idea.
In a post-fight press conference, when questioned about a potential matchup with Muhammad, Usman dismissed the notion without hesitation, focusing instead on pursuing the welterweight title. He specifically mentioned targeting a title fight against Della Maddalena, who is slated to compete against Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion.
Who is it? Who’s that? Next,
Usman responded when asked about fighting Muhammad.
Unwilling to let the comment slide, Muhammad fired back on social media, reminding Usman of their past conflict.
The guy who made you cry on your podcast.
—Belal Muhammad
What Lies Ahead for Both Fighters
The rivalry between these two top welterweight competitors remains intense and unresolved, with no clear path toward a showdown at this time. Ultimate decisions about their futures and potential rematches rest with UFC President Dana White and the organization’s leadership. Meanwhile, fans continue to speculate eagerly about the possibility of these two fighters meeting again, hoping for a high-stakes encounter that could reshape the division’s landscape.
Belal Muhammad’s praise for Kamaru Usman after this significant UFC victory adds a new layer to their contentious relationship, signaling a moment of respect despite ongoing tensions. Usman’s dominant performance serves as a reminder of his elite status and his ambitions to reclaim the welterweight title, setting the stage for exciting developments in the division’s coming months.