As he prepares for his title defense against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Belal Muhammad appears unfazed by the attempts of two former champions to grab his attention this week.
Muhammad specifically addressed recent remarks from Kamaru Usman, who suggested security might be necessary to separate them if they crossed paths backstage. The welterweights share a history of animosity, and Usman, having recently booked a fight, claimed his dislike for Muhammad would intensify upon meeting.
Muhammad dismissed Usman`s remarks during UFC 315 media day. “Who? The former champion on a three-fight losing streak?” he questioned. “Should I be afraid of that guy with no knees, no cartilage, and a big head? No, I think I`ll be fine.”
Muhammad also commented on a widely discussed podcast episode featuring himself, Usman, and Henry Cejudo that was never released. According to Muhammad, the discussion became quite heated, with Usman reportedly becoming emotional during the exchange, which he believes is the reason the episode was suppressed.
Muhammad remarked, “If you`re a grown man who starts crying and tearing up on a podcast, especially your own, why would you release that? Unless they have a great editor who can fix it, and I doubt they have the budget for that.”
Additionally, Muhammad responded to former interim champion Colby Covington`s recent attempts to provoke him. Covington posted a video online showing himself allegedly hiding Muhammad`s prepared meals at the UFC Performance Institute, while also insulting the current welterweight champion.
Despite Covington`s apparent satisfaction with his actions – which come after two consecutive losses, his last win being in 2022 – Muhammad quickly pointed out the absurdity, noting he wasn`t even in Las Vegas, where the Performance Institute is. “He hid my food? I`m not even in Vegas,” Muhammad stated, highlighting, “That just shows how much of a moron he is. I have no idea what he`s doing.”
Muhammad concluded by lumping both rivals together. “These guys act like YouTubers now,” he said. “Kamaru`s a podcaster, Colby`s a YouTuber. They should do a podcast together – the biggest losers.”
