TLDR
- Belal Muhammad accuses Islam Makhachev of wanting an easier title defense against Kamaru Usman instead of top contenders
- Muhammad argues Michael Morales deserves the title shot after finishing Sean Brady while undefeated
- Kamaru Usman is 1-3 in his last four fights with only one victory in three years
- Muhammad suggests Makhachev and Usman sharing manager Ali Abdelaziz influences the matchmaking push
- Muhammad wants to fight Usman if he doesn’t get the title shot, referencing their past altercation
Sources: MMA Fighting | MMA Mania | MMA Fighting
Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has publicly criticized Islam Makhachev’s interest in defending his title against Kamaru Usman. Muhammad believes Makhachev is looking for an easier opponent rather than facing the division’s top contenders.
Makhachev captured the welterweight title at UFC 322 in November when he defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision. The victory made him the 11th fighter in UFC history to win championships in multiple weight classes.
Respect to JDM for stopping 2 potential d’arce submissions & one potential kimura. But to Islam Makhachev ( @MAKHACHEVMMA ) … You may have just solidified yourself as the greatest of all time – LEGITIMATELY … JDM was an opponent that I figured would finally stop you… but 50-45 pic.twitter.com/xp46eKw0J9
— Geo-Philosophy (@TheGEOPOLITICAN) November 16, 2025
Since winning the belt, Makhachev has expressed interest in giving Usman the first title shot at 170 pounds. Several other contenders are available, including undefeated fighters Shavkat Rakhmonov, Michael Morales, and Ian Machado Garry.
Muhammad Backs Morales for Title Shot
Muhammad stated on his YouTube channel that Morales has earned the title opportunity. “Beating a guy like Sean Brady, being undefeated, finishing Sean Brady, I mean, what else more do you have to do?” he said.
He then accused Makhachev of strategically promoting the Usman matchup. “We see Islam planting the seeds of ‘Usman should be the next guy,'” Muhammad said.
Muhammad pointed out that both Makhachev and Usman share the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz. He believes this relationship influences the push for the matchup.
“Do I think Usman is an easier matchup for him? Of course,” Muhammad stated. “The guy’s fought one time in three years, and he’s 1-3.”
Usman lost three consecutive fights before defeating Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision at UFC Atlanta in June. That victory ended a losing streak that lasted over three years.
Meanwhile, fighters like Rakhmonov and Morales remain undefeated with lengthy winning streaks inside the UFC. Morales recently finished Brady, a top-ranked welterweight.
Personal History Between Muhammad and Usman
Muhammad also has personal issues with Usman dating back to an altercation during a podcast appearance. Since then, Muhammad has wanted to settle matters inside the octagon.
“I’m still ahead of you, even though I lost my last two fights,” Muhammad said, addressing Usman. “I’m still 2-2.”
Muhammad lost the welterweight title to Della Maddalena in May before losing to Machado Garry in November. Despite the setbacks, he believes his recent record is better than Usman’s.
Belal Muhammad believes Islam Makhachev and his manager are 'planting the seed' for an easier matchup against Kamaru Usman 😬
"Michael Morales for sure has earned it. We see Islam planting the seeds of Usman being the next guy. Obviously they have the same manager.
Do I think… pic.twitter.com/5EQIiHMkKZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 16, 2025
He criticized Usman for turning down fights while being considered for a title shot. “You didn’t want to fight, and I don’t think it should earn you a title fight when you’re saying no to fights,” Muhammad said.
Muhammad acknowledged some might call him a hater but defended his position. “I’m just looking at the division from a different lens; what I think and who I think has earned it,” he explained.
If Morales gets the title shot instead of Usman, Muhammad believes a fight between the two former champions makes sense. “I’ve been wanting that fight, asking for the fight,” Muhammad said. “We’ll see if we get the fight.”
Abdelaziz defended the potential matchup in a backstage interview after UFC 322. He highlighted Usman’s resume, including a 15-fight winning streak and five title defenses.
“Kamaru Usman [had a] 15-fight winning streak, five title defences, [the] greatest welterweight of all time,” Abdelaziz said. “Kamaru Usman is a very tough opponent, and I represent him too, and he’s not an easy night for anybody.”
Makhachev has stated that Usman would be his hardest fight at 170 pounds. The UFC has not announced who will receive the next welterweight title shot.
