Belal Muhammad, the current UFC welterweight champion, has expressed his interest in facing Kamaru Usman for his first title defense. This move has been deemed as a win-win situation for Muhammad, as he also considers another potential opponent, Shavkat Rakhmonov. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Muhammad mentioned his openness to taking on either Usman or Rakhmonov, strategically positioning himself for a significant fight in his career.
Former MMA fighter Ben Askren weighed in on the situation, expressing his thoughts on Usman’s current status in the welterweight division. Askren believes that Usman’s best days may be behind him, considering his recent three-fight losing streak. He also pointed out that Muhammad seems to be gaining the upper hand in the trash-talking exchanges between the two fighters. Askren speculated that Muhammad sees Usman as a big name who is now past his prime, making him a potentially easier opponent to face.
From Askren’s perspective, Muhammad’s interest in facing Usman could be a calculated move to add a significant name to his list of victories. By targeting a former champion who may be considered past his prime, Muhammad could be strategically positioning himself for a high-profile fight that could elevate his status in the welterweight division. Askren’s analysis suggests that Muhammad sees the potential benefits of facing Usman at this point in his career.
Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight champion, has recently faced setbacks in his career, with losses to Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev. These losses have raised questions about Usman’s current standing in the division and whether he is still the dominant force he once was. Muhammad’s interest in facing Usman could be influenced by these recent defeats, as he sees an opportunity to capitalize on Usman’s potential vulnerabilities at this stage in his career.
Belal Muhammad’s desire to face Kamaru Usman for his first title defense reflects a strategic move to secure a significant win and elevate his status in the welterweight division. Ben Askren’s analysis sheds light on the potential benefits of this matchup for Muhammad, as he aims to capitalize on Usman’s perceived decline in performance. As the negotiations for this potential fight unfold, it will be interesting to see how Muhammad’s strategic positioning plays out in the competitive landscape of the UFC welterweight division.