Overview
- At a fan Q&A in Abu Dhabi, Usman called Muhammad a "dork" and said he has "nothing to gain" from taking that fight right now.
- Belal Muhammad is already booked to face Ian Machado Garry in Doha on Nov. 22, removing the matchup as a near-term option.
- Usman says he is targeting a route back to the belt and has expressed interest in competing on the UFC’s proposed White House card in June.
- The welterweight picture is in flux with Jack Della Maddalena defending against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 on Nov. 15, a timeline Usman hopes will open title opportunities.
- Fans and media reacted skeptically to Usman’s stance, noting Muhammad’s No. 1 ranking while Usman sits lower after his June win over Joaquin Buckley.