With a new champion crowned at welterweight, Kamaru Usman is fired up.
After five title defenses, Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) lost his welterweight title to Leon Edwards in a come-from-behind knockout loss at UFC 278. He then lost their trilogy bout by close decision at UFC 286.
A fourth fight with Edwards would have been a tough sell, but after Belal Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) dethroned Edwards to capture the title at UFC 304, Usman is confident he can reclaim his belt.
“Well, jump right back into action,” Usman said on his YouTube channel. “The biggest thing for me is getting healthy, so if I can get this healthy and get this body right, I told you, I’m the best in the world. I’ve just got to get my body right.
“So post-champion, post-new champion, first workout, first day in the gym and, obviously when something like that happens, it gives you a new added motivation. I was never not motivated, it’s just getting the health in order.”
Muhammad told MMA Junkie that he expects Shavkat Rakhmonov to be his first title defense, but is also interested in a potential fight with Usman – despite the former champion being on a three-fight losing skid. The pair have been trading barbs on social media ever since.
“Dominated the division ?
u beat Masvidal twice and went to cardio kickboxing war with Colby twice (Colby sucks). u were protected by UFC.. now u can barely walk… your podcast sucks ..and ur part in black panther sucked.”
Dominated the division ?
u beat masvidal twice and went to cardio kickboxing war with colby twice (colby sucks). u were protected by ufc.. now u can barely walk… your podcast sucks ..and ur part in black panther sucked https://t.co/59uxFb8FMX
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 8, 2024
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— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 8, 2024
Usman hasn’t competed since a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 – a short-notice fight at middleweight.
