Islam Makhachev won a second UFC title last month by defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322. Makhachev, just months after vacating the lightweight belt, put together one of the most dominant performances of his career by dethroning Maddalena and winning the welterweight championship.
After UFC 322, Makhachev turned his attention to his first welterweight title defense. There are several worthy contenders, including Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov, who are on the verge of earning a title shot.
But Makhachev had no hesitation in naming former defending champion Kamaru Usman as his preferred next opponent. Usman, considered by many to be one of the greatest welterweights of all time, recently defeated Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta.
One of Makhachev’s former training partners made a rare jab at the new welterweight champion for choosing Usman over more deserving stars.
Belal Muhammad questions Islam Makhachev for choosing ‘easier’ matchup for first title defense
During a recent segment on his YouTube channel, Belal Muhammad discussed the current state of the welterweight division.
“When I look at the welterweight division, with Islam being the champion, who do I think deserves this? Who do I think deserved it? Michael Morales certainly deserved it. But we see Islam planting the seeds of Usman as the next man, they obviously have the same manager. The manager is planting seeds in his mind for who it should be
“Do I think Usman is an easier match for him? Of course. The guy has fought once in three years, he’s 1-3…you can talk, say whatever you want, [Usman] turned down the fight and I don’t think that should justify a title fight if you say no to fights.
“Call me a hater, I’m just looking at the division from a different lens,” Muhammad continued. “If it’s Morales, I think Usman and I make the most sense. I’ve wanted that fight, asked for it, we’ll see if we get it.”
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