Will Kamaru Usman get a shot at the welterweight title? He’s motivated for a chance
Chicago native Belal Muhammad achieved his goal when he dethroned Leon Edwards at UFC 304 for the welterweight belt, ushering in a new era for the division. But one top fighter is seeing it as new motivation and that’s Kamaru Usman.
After losing the title to Edwards and then watching Muhammad win it, Kamaru Usman is now extra motivated for a title shot.
“Well, jump right back into action,” Usman said on his YouTube channel. “The biggest thing for me is getting healthy, so if I can get this healthy and get this body right, I told you, I’m the best in the world. I’ve just got to get my body right.
“So post-champion, post-new champion, first workout, first day in the gym and, obviously when something like that happens, it gives you a new added motivation. I was never not motivated, it’s just getting the health in order.”
Usman hasn’t fought since October of 2023 when he lost to Khamzat Chimaev, extending his losing streak to three fights. Prior to that he lost twice to Edwards. But will Kamaru Usman get a title shot soon?
Kamaru Usman might not be on Belal Muhammad’s radar just yet
With Muhammad just recently winning the belt, he’s been enjoying being the champ. But he also has to look forward to his next fight.
And that is likely to be Shavkat Rakhmonov as he told MMAJunkie.com:
“I see it being Shavkat,” Muhammad told MMA Junkie. “If he would’ve fought (Jack Della Maddalena), he could’ve been 100 percent the clear contender, but I think the fact that they were almost close to booking him with JDM – they were hesitant on it. But I think he’s for me the boogeyman.
“They all say he’s the next guy, and I think out of all the guys, I think it’s between him and Usman just because of Usman’s legacy and who he is, as one of the welterweights’ best. But yeah, for me, Dana (White) just has to call me and let me know. I’m just going to say, ‘All right, cool.’”
The two have traded jabs on social media as well, potentially setting the stage. But looming in the distance is still Kamaru Usman who is eager to get his shot.
When that is? We have to wait and see.
