Belal Muhammad doesn’t plan to put much attention on Kamaru Usman moving forward.
Muhammad and Usman have traded barbs over the past couple of years, but the two have yet to share the Octagon. An unaired episode of the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast back in 2024 went awry when “Remember The Name” and “The Nigerian Nightmare” got physical after some words were exchanged.
While Muhammad insists he got the better of the physicality and has expressed interest in settling matters under the UFC banner, Usman hasn’t been as receptive unless something big is at stake. With both Usman and Muhammad sitting behind other top welterweight contenders, it appeared there would be no better time for the two to be matched up.
Ultimately, Muhammad accepted a fight with Gabriel Bonfim after being tired of waiting on Usman. In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Muhammad said he’s moving on from Usman.
“For me, it’s like I’m not even thinking about him anymore,” Muhammad said. “The guy’s been avoiding me forever. So I’m not going to keep chasing somebody. So my mindset is Bonfim and then looking at the next guy.
“[Usman] got away. It’s whatever. For me, I can’t think about him anymore. Now it’s Gabriel. Once they said him, I’m like, all right, that’s it. Now it’s about getting my hand raised. Getting back in the win column and reminding people who I am.”
Usman hasn’t traded leather since he defeated Joaquin Buckley back in June 2025. The former UFC Welterweight Champion has been in search of big fights only, including one more run with UFC gold. His next fight hasn’t been announced, but he’s rumored to be facing former UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis on July 18 in Oklahoma.
Muhammad’s aforementioned clash with Bonfim will be taking place on Saturday. The bout will headline UFC Vegas 118 inside the Meta Apex. BJPenn.com will have you covered with live results and highlights on fight night.
Do you think the door has been shut on Belal Muhammad vs. Kamaru Usman? Let us know what you think in the comments below.