Belal Muhammad may already be known as “Remember the Name,” but he’s looking to expand his list of nicknames. This time, by putting a spotlight on one of his most overlooked weapons, his boxing. As he prepares to headline UFC 315 against Jack Della Maddalena, Muhammad is eager to showcase the full scope of his skill set. During his recent conversation with ‘MMA Fighting’, Muhammad made it clear that he will be outboxing his opponent in his first title defence. 

The 36-year-old said, “I’ve been using the Canelo [Alvarez] boxing. I want to put it to the test. I want to put it to the test and have that moment where I go that’s why I’m the best boxer in the UFC. That’s why I’m the best boxer in the welterweight division.” Fans might get excited about his game plan, but former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman feels the champion might be bluffing.

Usman feels the best way for Muhammad to win the fight is to use his wrestling skills, and if he doesn’t, he might end up losing. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ took to his YouTube channel to break down the main event at UFC 315 and shared some words of advice for the champion.

Dovy shared the video on their X account with Usman, saying, “This is an intriguing fight because I think a lot of people might be sleeping on Jack Della Maddalena. But at the same time, Belal is just good enough everywhere to be able to control this fight.” 

However, the 37-year-old also feels that not using his wrestling skills will put him at a lot of disadvantage in the clash. Usman further added, “Like I have said before, there are all these reports of him saying Canelo hands. I am gonna just box, not even gonna shoot for one takedown, which I think is absurd, and I think it’s cap. Because if you don’t shoot for a take down, you greatly diminish or you even the odds.”

The welterweight champion is known for his exceptional cardio and his ground game, which has helped him in his career so far. According to Usman, ‘Bully B’ should not change his game plan in such an important fight in his career. He further added, “And why would you wanna do that, and especially as a champion. So I think he is definitely going to try to take down, get to the take down. Up and down. Mix it up. And if he does that, I do see a victory for Belal Muhammad.” 

Muhammad has always been very outspoken and was also involved in a feud with the former welterweight champion. But what exactly happened between the two? Let us find out about it below.

Belal Muhammad points out why things heated up between him and Usman

Belal Muhammad’s fiery appearance on Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo’s ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast has quickly become one of the most talked-about pieces of missing MMA content. Topping the list of recently lost media, the episode reportedly featured a tense exchange between Muhammad, now the reigning welterweight champion, and former champ Kamaru Usman.

Known for his unfiltered opinions, Muhammad didn’t hold back during their debate, which allegedly became so intense that it left ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ visibly emotional. Rumor has it that the heated nature of the exchange is exactly why Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo have chosen not to release the episode to the public.

As Belal Muhammad gears up for his first title defense at UFC 315 this weekend against Australia’s rising star Jack Della Maddalena, the questions about that controversial podcast appearance continue to follow him. The mystery surrounding what really went down between Muhammad and the former welterweight king has only added to the intrigue ahead of fight night. “You had a little scuffle with Kamaru Usman. Would you care to shed some light on what happened with Kamaru Usman in that room?” asked Din Thomas during the weigh-in show.

Muhammad pointed out what he said, “He was like, ‘I’m the champ too.’ I’m like ‘bro you’re not the champ now, you’re on a three-fight losing streak.’ Then he’s was like ‘anything you do, I do better.’ Bro, you don’t take the head kick better than me. That was it. I didn’t have to do anything else after that. It was all systems go,”

Well, Muhammad will have to defend his title when he steps inside the Octagon at UFC 315. Only then can he mock anymore past champions. Will he be able to defend it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.