Kamaru Usman is considering releasing a contentious interview with Belal Muhammad, which Muhammad claims went off the rails, if Muhammad retains his UFC welterweight title after facing Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310.
Kamaru Usman is hinting at releasing his interview with Belal Muhammad, provided the UFC champ keeps his promise.
On his podcast, Muhammad claimed that his appearance on Usman and Henry Cejudo’s Pound 4 Pound show went awry. He boasted about verbally breaking down Usman before things allegedly got physical.
Usman shared that Muhammad was among several guests in the Las Vegas-recorded episode. He aimed to honor the current welterweight titleholder by featuring him. Details remain vague, but Usman plans to release the footage if Muhammad retains his belt after facing Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on Dec. 7.
“In typical Belal fashion, of course, Belal did Belal,” Usman remarked on his podcast. “The interview didn’t meet expectations. It wasn’t long or particularly great, but it unfolded as it did. That was a pinnacle moment for him because he can’t stop talking about it.”
“Fans, we hear you! We’ll release the interview if content runs dry—why not? It’s a highlight for him, giving him relevance and a bit of clout. If we’re low on content and he beats Shavkat Rakhmonov, why not?” Usman added.
Damon Martin from MMA Fighting spoke with Muhammad, who enjoyed meeting Usman face-to-face but kept details under wraps.
Muhammad said, “I love getting a rise out of people like him—he takes everything personally. You’re a champion who lost your belt and now you’re struggling. And here I am on your podcast!”
“Some people have egos too big to handle it professionally,” Muhammad continued. “Usman’s used to sparring with Colby [Covington], who lacks cleverness. When someone intelligent makes you look foolish, it stings: ‘He got the belt and me with words?’ Time to change the game.”
Conflict isn’t new for Muhammad and Usman. After defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304, Muhammad named Usman as a potential challenger. Despite three straight losses—including two to Edwards—Usman remains a decorated former champion.
The UFC announced undefeated Rakhmonov as Muhammad’s first challenger—a matchup that intrigues Usman, who’s eager to face the winner.
“It’s a tremendous fight,” Usman said. “Shavkat’s an 18-0 fighter with all finishes—he’s done what’s needed against tough opponents. This fight makes sense and finally brings clarity to the welterweight division.”
“I’ve got my eye on them,” Usman mentioned. “At some point, one will have to face me—and I’ll be speaking in a different way.”
Muhammad still looks forward to potentially fighting Usman in the future.
“I hope he fights and wins against these guys,” Muhammad told MMA Fighting. “He’s a big name and former champion—one of the best at welterweight. I love fights with build-up where I can banter back and forth.”
Regarding the podcast controversy, Muhammad quipped, “I think Usman buried it in his backyard or something. Someone needs to dig it up and post it—I’m not sure what they’re doing with it.”