Belal Muhammad Calls Out Kamaru Usman: Why Is He Getting a Shot at Islam?

In a heated interview, Belal Muhammad didn’t hold back. He questioned why Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion now past his prime, is being given a shot at the newly crowned UFC welterweight champ, Islam Makhachev. Muhammad’s words were sharp, and they quickly reignited old tensions within the division.

“Old Fart With No Knees”: Brutal Criticism from Muhammad

Muhammad’s main complaint centers on Usman’s recent track record. He pointed out that Usman has lost four of his last five fights, suggesting he’s no longer the dominant force he used to be. To drive his point home, Muhammad used colorful, even harsh language: he called Usman an “old fart” with “no knees,” implying the former champ isn’t physically capable of delivering a high-level performance anymore.

He argued that giving Usman another title shot, especially against someone like Islam, feels less like a merit-based decision and more like a convenient business move. To Muhammad, it’s not about who’s earned it but who the UFC and management are choosing to push.

Blaming Ali Abdelaziz: Puppet Master Behind the Scenes?

Muhammad didn’t stop with Usman; he also pointed to Ali Abdelaziz, Usman’s manager, accusing him of pulling strings behind the scenes. According to Muhammad, Abdelaziz is “planting seeds,” manipulating matchups to benefit his fighters. The former welterweight champ suggests that Usman’s title shot is less about competitive legitimacy and more about business maneuvering by those close to him.

A Bigger Picture: Favorites Over Fresh Talent

For Muhammad, this controversy isn’t just about Usman; it’s about the system. He believes more deserving fighters are being overlooked in favor of a familiar name with marketability. Fighters like Michael Morales or Shavkat Rakhmonov, according to Muhammad, deserve consideration over someone whose best days may be in the rearview.

Muhammad is clearly frustrated by what he sees as favoritism: he feels UFC is granting Usman opportunities that aren’t earned but negotiated, and that this undermines the meritocratic ideal of fight sports.

Personal Stakes: Belal Wants His Shot

This isn’t just talk for Muhammad; there’s real personal motivation behind his words. He’s coming off a major run in his career and sees himself as a top-tier contender. By questioning Usman’s shot, Muhammad is putting a spotlight on his own path back to the title — one he believes he’s more deserving of than the former champ.

He has a message: don’t sleep on me. He’s positioning himself not just as a critic, but as someone who wants to fight for what he believes is rightfully his.

The Division at a Crossroads

This turmoil in the welterweight division raises some big questions for the UFC:

• Legacy vs. Contender: Should former champions automatically get prioritized for title shots, even after downturns?

• Business vs. Sport: How much do promoters, managers, and name value factor into title opportunities?

• Meritocracy: Are genuine contenders being sidelined in favor of big-name names, even if their recent performance has been shaky?

What’s Next?

• Will Usman Get That Shot? If the UFC grants him a fight with Islam, it could further fuel Muhammad’s narrative that favoritism trumps merit.

• Could Muhammad Make His Move? He’s clearly angling for big fights, and he might use this moment to push for a shot of his own, especially if the company listens to his grievances.

• Division Shakeup: If younger, in-form fighters are passed over again, we could see growing discontent not just from Muhammad, but from the entire welterweight roster.