Like many, Belal Muhammad Kamaru also sees Usman as an easier match for champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev moved up to the welterweight division earlier this year after Jack Della Maddalena dethroned Mohammed at UFC 315.
Seeking glory in two divisions, the Russian fighter joined ‘JDM’ at UFC 322, dethroning the Australian by controlling most of the fight and cruising to a unanimous decision victory.
Makhachev next wants to fight former champion Kamaru Usman. Even the manager of both fighters, Ali Abdelaziz, wants this fight to happen next year. However, with a stacked division, giving a title shot to Usman, who has won just one of his last four fights, is controversial despite his past glories.
Muhammad thinks Michael Morales, who recently scored a Round 1 TKO victory over Sean Brady the same night Makhachev became a two-division champion, should be the next 170-pound title challenger. ‘Remember the name’, said:
“Michael Morales has definitely earned it. We see Islam planting the seeds of Usman as the next man. They obviously have the same manager. Do I think Usman is an easier match for him? Of course. The guy has fought once in three years, and he’s 1-3. I’m still ahead of you. Even though I’ve lost my last two fights, I’m still 2-2.”
Check out Belal Muhammad’s comments below:
Islam Makhachev considers the fight with Kamaru Usman to be the toughest
Islam Makhachev thinks Kamaru Usman is his toughest challenge, and ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ could blow through all the top contenders, including Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, among others.
In an interview with Red Corner MMA he said:
“The media doesn’t believe in this fight, but in my opinion Usman would roll through any of these newcomers like Morales and Prates… Those guys haven’t been checked yet. I think Usman would be the toughest fight for me.”
Watch Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
In addition to Morales, Prates and Shavkat Rakhmovov, Ian Machado Garry also has Makhachev in his sights. Garry has victories over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad in 2025 and is now the No. 3 on the UFC welterweight list.
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