Why Isn’t Islam Makhachev Fighting Belal Muhammad?

Kamaru Usman is having a difficult time comprehending Islam Makhachev’s unwillingness to fight Belal Muhammad because of them being ‘training partners’ and for the ‘friendly bond’ they share. The former UFC welterweight champion believes Islam Makhachev should dismiss such notions and step ahead to fulfill his goal of becoming a double champion. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov also portrayed some friction when asked if he would prepare Makhachev for Belal Muhammad. This friction as previously mentioned is a result of them training together. To avoid this, Islam Makhachev is willing to move to middleweight to fulfil the aim of securing two different belts. 

Kamaru Usman on Islam Makhachev vs Belal Muhammad 

Recently on Pound 4 Pound podcast, Kamaru Usman explained how Islam Makhachev should fight the welterweight champion next. 

 thinks  should move up to 170 and “whip” :

“This whole notion of training with them, bro, no…

I’m moving up, I’m whipping him, I’m taking that belt.”

 @pound4poundshow #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/db8Xdv5Ual

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 20, 2025

“This whole notion of Belal training with them, they don’t want to Bro, no. I’m going up there and I’m whipping him, I don’t care. Just because he comes into our camp, just tries to use our bodies and learn our style. I’m moving up, I’m whipping him, I’m taking that belt and I’m moving on to the next”. 

Belal Muhammad Responds 

Belal Muhammad isn’t pleased with Kamaru Usman’s recent take on the UFC lightweight champion moving to welterweight. Here’s what he said: 

Stop speaking my name until you finally end your losing streak … or you change the podcast name to “loss after loss”

—  (@bullyb170) January 20, 2025