Belal Muhammad accuses manager of 'protecting' Kamaru Usman

Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman ’s common manager, Ali Abdelaziz, must be in a tough spot. Muhammad is scheduled to fight surging welterweight contender Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Fight Night 278 on June 6 at the Apex in Las Vegas. Muhammad claims Bonfim and Usman were two potential opponents initially mentioned to him by his manager.

However, Muhammad was almost certain he would have to fight Bonfim, as he knew Usman wouldn’t accept. Muhammad even plans to tell Abdelaziz in person that he is protecting Usman. However, Muhammad also understands Abdelaziz’s predicament.

Muhammad notes that Usman is one of the most high-profile fighters that Abdelaziz has managed over the years. However, Muhammad believes “The Nigerian Nightmare” is at the tail end of his career, where he has to wait for a perfect matchup. Usman was initially rallying for a welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev , who is also managed by Abdelaziz.

However, Muhammad believes Usman won’t get a title shot at welterweight anytime soon, which is why the 38-year-old is teasing a move to middleweight. According to Muhammad, former middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis would be an easy matchup for Usman. One Chance Left “I called my manager and he’s like, ‘They’re looking at Kamaru or Bonfim,’” Muhammad told