Former champion praises Kamaru Usman's performance at UFC Atlanta, but challenges Nigerian: 'You can choose the date'

Kamaru Usman dominated Joaquin buckley in the main fight of UFC Atlanta. Photo: Reproduction/X.

Kamaru Usman impressed even one of his biggest rivals with his performance in the UFC Atlanta, held last Saturday (14). The Nigerian dominated Joaquin Buckley and emerged victorious by judges' decision after five rounds, in a performance that drew praise even from Belal Muhammad |, an adversary with whom he maintains a public enmity.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Belal highlighted that Usman is still capable of competing at a high level. According to him, despite doubts about the former champion's physical condition, especially regarding his knees, the Nigerian proved that he continues to be one of the best in the welterweight division (up to 77kg).

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“Usman still has gas in the tank. People were asking all the questions in a row — does he still have knees? And he proved that he deserves to be at the top of the division, with the best in the world,” Belal said.

Despite recognizing Usman's merits, Belal Muhammad | made it clear that, against him, the fight will be much more difficult. The Palestinian assured that he will not be knocked down easily and promised a fight with an intense pace from start to finish, as if it were a fifth round.

“Our fight is not going to be like Buckley’s. You’re not going to take me down like that. The whole fight is going to feel like the 5th round… We have history, we’re going back and forth. It’s a clear fight for the number one contender. I’m still the number one contender. He can choose the time, date and place. I’ll be ready. I hope the UFC can get it done.”, he concluded. Belal Muhammad |.

Kamaru Usman x Bela Muhammad rivalry

Even though they never faced each other, Kamaru Usman e Belal Muhammad | starred in a confusion, not recorded by cameras, during preparation for a recording of the podcast 'Pound 4 Pound', in 2024. In the week of UFC 315, when Belal faced Jack Della Maddalena, Usman even admitted that a security team would be necessary if he crossed paths with the Palestinian backstage.