Belal Muhammad has made it clear that he no longer plans to focus on Kamaru Usman moving forward.
Muhammad and Usman have exchanged words over the past couple of years, but they have never shared the Octagon. Their rivalry even turned physical during an unaired 2024 episode of the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast after a heated exchange.
While Muhammad has insisted he got the better of that altercation and has repeatedly called for a UFC showdown, Usman has not shown strong interest unless a major opportunity is involved. With both fighters sitting behind other top welterweight contenders, fans expected the matchup to happen at some point, but that window now appears to be closing.
Ultimately, Muhammad grew tired of waiting and accepted a fight with rising contender Gabriel Bonfim. In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Belal Muhammad made it clear he has moved 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 has not fought since defeating Joaquin Buckley in June 2025. The former UFC welterweight champion continues to target high-profile fights as he attempts another run at UFC gold. His next opponent has not been officially announced, though he is rumored to face former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis on July 18 in Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, Muhammad will face Gabriel Bonfim on Saturday in the UFC Vegas 118 main event inside the UFC Apex. BJPenn.com will provide live coverage, results, and highlights on fight night.
Belal Muhammad’s focus has now fully shifted away from Kamaru Usman as he prepares for his next challenge in the UFC welterweight division.
For much of the past year, Muhammad appeared on a collision course with the former champion after both men exchanged verbal jabs in interviews, on social media, and even during a shared podcast appearance that turned physical. After losing his title and then falling to Ian Machado Garry in November, Muhammad expected a major name next—especially with Usman inactive.
However, the UFC instead booked him against Gabriel Bonfim, signaling that the Usman fight may no longer be a priority. Muhammad accepted the matchup without hesitation but made it clear that chasing Usman is no longer worth his time.
“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.”
Muhammad previously viewed Usman as the ideal comeback opponent as he worked his way back toward another title shot. But with the matchup never materializing, he has now moved on completely and does not expect it to happen in the future.
Instead, his attention is locked on Gabriel Bonfim, where he looks to reassert himself in the welterweight title picture and remind fans why he remains one of the division’s top contenders.
