Muhammad: Kamaru Usman, Far From Being The Welterweight GOAT, Defended His Title Against “Just Three Guys.”

Belal Muhammad believes that declaring Kamaru Usman the finest welterweight of all time is unrealistic.

Ex-champion Georges St-Pierre has the most title defenses in UFC welterweight history and is largely regarded as the best 170-pounder, but current champ Usman’s recent success has earned him the title, according to UFC president Dana White.

But Muhammad (21-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) believes Usman still has a lot of work ahead of him, left MMA Junkie Radio perplexed when he placed St-Pierre, Tyron Woodley, Matt Hughes, and B.J. Penn on his welterweight Mt. Rushmore, but not Usman.

See Also: Kamaru Usman Expresses ‘disappointment’ in Jorge Masvidal’s Alleged Attack On Colby Covington: ‘I Don’t Think Anyone Had Justification To Do That’

Muhammad told MMA Junkie Radio, “No, He ain’t receiving that respect until he beats me.” “And if you look at it, they keep saying he’s one of the finest welterweights of all time, and I’m like – he’s beaten Colby (Covington) twice, (Jorge) Masvidal twice, and Gilbert twice” (Burns). There are just three of them. He hasn’t gone up against seven or eight different opponents. Respect – he’s the champion. He keeps himself occupied. But you’re fighting rematches before giving other guys a chance to face you.”

Since dethroning Tyron Woodley in 2019, Usman (20-1 MMA, 15-0 UFC) has made five title defenses. He has two victories over Covington and Masvidal, as well as Sanford MMA teammate Gilbert Burns.  He has stoppage wins over all three opponents.

Muhammad is making his case for a title shot after going unbeaten in his last eight fights. He most recently avenged his loss to Vicente Luque at UFC on ESPN 34. Muhammad believes his next bout should be against a No. 1 contender, but with Usman recovering from hand surgery, he thinks his title hopes may be jeopardized delayed.

“No matter what happens after my next fight, I’m going to fight for the title,” Muhammad stated. “For me, I’m trying to figure out when Usman is going to fight.” They haven’t scheduled that fight (Usman vs. Leon Edwards) as far as I can tell.

“They stated it, they mentioned it, but it has been months.” I believe his hand is more injured than he is letting on, and I believe that persons with that type of injury are prone to re-injuring it. So I don’t think he’ll fight until later this year (Usman vs. Leon Edwards), and if that’s the case, a fight between myself and Leon makes a lot of sense.”