Kamaru Usman's Proposal

The UFC world is buzzing following the recent UFC 311 event, where Islam Makhachev solidified his reputation as a dominant force by securing his fourth title defense against Renato Moicano. Makhachev's impressive submission victory has left fans pondering, 'Who’s next in line to face the champion?' Kamaru Usman, former welterweight champion, has thrown his hat into the ring, suggesting that Makhachev should challenge current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, a close training partner.

'If I was Islam and I had to pick what would be next, I would say Belal Muhammad or Ilia Topuria,' Usman stated on the Pound-for-Pound podcast. He believes moving up to welterweight could benefit Makhachev, especially considering the physical toll of making lightweight. Usman asserted, 'If it was me, I’d go up and handle business.'

Khabib Nurmagomedov's Opposition

While Usman is eager to see the two champions clash, Makhachev's coach Khabib Nurmagomedov has expressed his disapproval of such a matchup, citing the close bond between the fighters. 'It’s going to be hard for me to prepare Islam to beat Belal,' Nurmagomedov mentioned, indicating that personal relationships should take precedence.

Usman's Business Perspective

However, Usman disagrees, emphasizing that business comes first in the fight game. He remarked, 'They’re not brothers. If it’s time to scrap, we scrap.' Quoting Mike Tyson, he added that even a true friend should be willing to let the other earn a paycheck, suggesting that a fight should not be avoided due to personal ties.

Belal Muhammad's Response

The tension escalated when Muhammad reacted to Usman's comments on social media, advising him to 'stop speaking my name until you finally end your losing streak,' a clear jab at Usman’s recent struggles in the octagon. Their rivalry runs deep, dating back to when Muhammad was climbing the welterweight ladder during Usman’s reign.

Questions Raised About UFC Title Contenders

While Usman is vocal about the potential fight, he also raised questions about why UFC CEO Dana White seems to have dismissed Arman Tsarukyan as a contender, despite Tsarukyan's strong track record of nine wins in his last ten fights. 'It's unfair to overlook him,' Usman said, advocating for Tsarukyan's position in the title picture.

Future of the Lightweight and Welterweight Divisions

As the UFC landscape continues to shift, fans are left wondering: will we see a champion vs. champion clash between Makhachev and Muhammad? Or will Arman Tsarukyan’s story take center stage? With high stakes and intense rivalries, the future of the lightweight and welterweight divisions promises to be anything but dull!