Belal Muhammad Makes Surprising Admission After Chasing Kamaru Usman for Years

Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman (Photo by Imagn Images)

Belal Muhammad Makes Surprising Admission After Chasing Kamaru Usman for Years

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Jun 3, 2026 2:37 PM ET

Belal Muhammad is coming off back-to-back losses against Ian Machado Garry and Jack Della Maddalena. Now he is getting ready to face Gabriel Bonfim. Ahead of the fight, Muhammad said he is done waiting for Kamaru Usman. He chased that matchup for years, but now he has moved on and made his peace with it.

He had a dominant run that culminated in capturing the welterweight title from Leon Edwards at UFC 304. After that, bad blood grew between the two fighters. He wanted the fight, but Kamaru Usman never seemed interested. The frustration of chasing a fight that never materialized finally reached a breaking point.

“The guy’s been avoiding me forever. So I’m not going to keep chasing somebody. So my mindset is Bonfim and then looking at the next guy. [Usman] got away. It’s whatever. For me, I can’t think about him anymore. Now it’s about getting my hand raised. Getting back in the win column and reminding people who I am,” Muhammad said.

The title picture at 170 pounds is moving fast, with Islam Makhachev holding the belt and Della Maddalena already angling for a rematch. Muhammad is looking very far right now. He needs a win, which he feels he can get this weekend. After that, he will be going against Ben Askren.

Belal Muhammad vs. Ben Askren Going Against Each Other At RAF 11

There are comebacks. And then there’s Askren in the summer of 2026. Less than a year after nearly dying and undergoing a double lung transplant, Askren is returning to the wrestling mats. Askren was the first signee for Real American Freestyle back in May of 2025, prior to all his health issues. Finally, he is returning against Muhammad.

Askren won back-to-back NCAA titles at Missouri and competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics for the U.S. before moving into MMA. Indeed, it is a big thing for Askren that he is returning to combat sports. Even more important for Muhammad, who is looking to showcase his class after back-to-back losses.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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