Kamaru Usman Throws Hat in As Next Title Contender Ahead of Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena

Yet Usman has answered critics with a clinical return, defeating rising contender Joaquin Buckley convincingly at UFC in Atlanta. The veteran fighter believes his dominant wrestling could be enough to beat Della Maddalena in a potential welterweight clash. Additionally, Usman showed no hesitation before calling out Makhachev despite maintaining a good personal relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

According to Usman, he’s prepared to set aside friendship to deliver fans an entertaining bout with massive pay-per-view potential. Nevertheless, fans are currently focused on Madison Square Garden’s main event, with Makhachev already starting his intense training camp preparations. The Dagestani has packed additional muscle, silencing doubts about being undersized for the welterweight debut.

JDM has invested fully in training, working with Alexander Volkanovski and bringing top BJJ experts for preparation. The Australian displayed excellent takedown defense, using it effectively against Belal Muhammad during their matchup at UFC 315. Fans are eager to see how both elite fighters strategically approach this welterweight title fight under the MSG lights.

Kamaru Usman gets mocked by former welterweight champion 

Kamaru Usman has been engaged in a long-standing rivalry with Belal Muhammad since the Palestinian elevated himself to champion status. Tensions dramatically escalated when Muhammad appeared as a guest on Usman’s podcast, leading to a heated dispute. According to eyewitness Henry Cejudo, both fighters allegedly engaged in a physical altercation during the confrontation before security intervened.

The ugly incident highlighted how personal this rivalry had become, potentially reshaping the welterweight landscape with unpredictable consequences. After Kamaru Usman declared intentions to fight the winner of Della Maddalena versus Makhachev, Muhammad openly mocked his fading credentials.

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Belal Muhammad via X

Muhammad is currently ranked the number one fighter in the welterweight division, eager to reclaim his lost championship title. He has expressed a serious interest in fighting top rising star Ian Garry next, eagerly awaiting UFC’s official confirmation.

Previously, Muhammad avoided any possibility of fighting Islam Makhachev due to their personal friendship and mutual respect within training circles. However, recent changes in circumstances have altered that dynamic completely, making a showdown between Muhammad and Makhachev suddenly very possible.