Belal Muhammad Challenges Kamaru Usman as Former Champ Plays Avoidance Game

The MMA world is buzzing with tension as Belal “Remember The Name” Muhammad continues to call out former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, despite the Nigerian Nightmare’s apparent strategy of pretending Muhammad doesn’t exist.

This developing rivalry has all the makings of a classic welterweight saga, with Muhammad refusing to be ignored any longer.

The Calling Out That Can’t Be Ignored

I’ve been watching this situation unfold for weeks now, and it’s becoming increasingly clear: Kamaru Usman is doing everything possible to avoid acknowledging Belal Muhammad’s existence in the welterweight division. But Muhammad isn’t having it.

The rising contender has been relentlessly throwing down the gauntlet, challenging the former champion with increasing intensity. This weekend, he took it up another notch with comments that are impossible to ignore – even for someone trying as hard as Usman.

“You can pretend I’m not here all you want,” Muhammad said during a recent interview. “But the division knows who’s next in line. You can run, but eventually, you’ll have to face me or admit you’re ducking the real challenge.”

Why Is Usman Avoiding Muhammad?

The question on everyone’s mind is pretty straightforward – why would a former dominant champion like Usman pretend Muhammad doesn’t exist? The answer might lie in the stylistic matchup.

Muhammad’s grinding, pressure-heavy approach presents unique problems for Usman, whose own wrestling-centric style has been his bread and butter. It’s the classic case of a fighter not wanting to face someone who can potentially beat them at their own game.

What’s particularly interesting is how this avoidance contradicts Usman’s previous statements about wanting to face all comers and cement his legacy as the greatest welterweight of all time.

The Path to Title Contention

Muhammad has been on an absolute tear, compiling an impressive 9-fight unbeaten streak. His most recent dominant performances against ranked opponents have made his case for a title shot nearly undeniable.

The numbers don’t lie – Muhammad is surging while Usman is trying to recapture his former glory after consecutive losses to Leon Edwards.

The Fans Are Taking Notice

You don’t have to look far to see that fans are growing increasingly frustrated with Usman’s apparent ducking strategy. Social media has been flooded with comments calling for the former champ to either accept the challenge or admit he’s avoiding Muhammad.

“Can’t claim to be the best if you’re picking and choosing opponents,” wrote one fan on Twitter, while another commented, “Remember when Usman said he’d fight anybody? Pepperidge Farm remembers.”

This fan reaction is creating exactly the kind of pressure that could eventually force Usman’s hand. The court of public opinion matters in combat sports, and right now, the verdict isn’t looking favorable for the former champion.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

The UFC matchmakers face an interesting dilemma. With current champion Leon Edwards likely to face Shavkat Rakhmonov next, both Muhammad and Usman need opponents. The logical solution seems obvious – match them against each other in a title eliminator.

For Muhammad, the path is clear: keep applying pressure both in and out of the cage. His relentless callouts combined with his in-cage performances make him impossible to ignore forever.

For Usman, the choices are dwindling. Continue to pretend Muhammad doesn’t exist and risk looking afraid, or embrace the challenge and potentially reclaim his position as the division’s boogeyman.

The Bottom Line

As this drama continues to unfold, one thing is becoming increasingly clear – Belal Muhammad has earned his shot, whether at Usman or the title itself. The days of ignoring “Remember The Name” are quickly coming to an end.

What do you think? Should Usman accept the challenge, or is he right to focus elsewhere? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: Image from USA Today Sports