“Probably, (security would be needed if we were backstage). I say that only because, obviously, I’m very level-headed and especially when I’m outside of the cage, but for the last almost two years now, I haven’t been in the thick of it”. Kamaru Usman said these words for Belal Muhammad during an interview with ESPN MMA just before his fight at UFC on ESPN 69. Well, not security, but crew members are what saved the situation from escalating between the two in the ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast, as revealed by Henry Cejudo. However, it was Usman’s words that triggered the former champion, as pointed out by the former dual-champion.
Before stepping into the Octagon for his first title defense at UFC 315, ‘Bully B’ was scheduled to join the podcast hosted by Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman. The episode never saw the light of day because a heated exchange between Belal Muhammad and Usman escalated into a confrontation. Their altercation forced the show to shut down abruptly. As a result, no footage was ever released. While the two had traded jabs in the past, this incident took their war of words to another level of full-blown rivalry. During a recent episode of the Jaxxon Podcast, Henry Cejudo shed more light on what happened behind the scenes.
The video was shared by Red Corner MMA on their X account, which allowed the fans to get a glimpse of what exactly happened. Cejudo, while speaking to Rampage ‘Quinton’ Jackson, said, “I was kind of like the mediator there, you know. Hey, wats up, Belal, you know. What do you think of Kamaru? Kamaru, what do you think of Belal? And s..t just kind of started to escalate. I’ll be honest with you, man, probably Kamaru started it. But I can see why. You know what I am saying. And then all of a sudden, Kamaru said it’s on site. And then Belal said It’s on site what’s up? And then Kamaru gets up. And then you guys have to wait till we release the tape. Legit, there was a scuffle I was in the middle. I had a f..ng sprain in the ankle.”
Henry Cejudo reveals it was Kamaru Usman who started the scuffle with Belal Muhammad
“I’ll be honest, probably Kamaru started it, but I could see why. The whole production crew started coming in. They had to detain both of them. There were about 8 people—four were trying to… pic.twitter.com/Hpu5cFqAYt
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 23, 2025
The former dual champion then pointed out how, despite trying his best, he couldn’t stop both fighters from laying their hands on each other. He said, “The whole production crew, like everybody, started to coming in. They had to detain both of them. There were about a good 8 people there. Four were trying to get on Belal. Hands were thrown, punches were thrown, slaps were given.” The former champion also predicted that Jack Della Maddalena would come out on top at UFC 315, and that exactly happened. However, the 38-year-old isn’t quite celebrating his rival’s loss.
Kamaru Usman shares his honest opinion on Belal Muhammad’s UFC 315 loss
For most people, watching a rival falter on your birthday might feel like poetic justice, but not for Kamaru Usman. Despite his well-documented feud with ‘Bully B, ‘ the former welterweight champion made it clear he took no joy in Muhammad’s crushing title loss to JDM at UFC 315. Usman and Muhammad once stood on common ground, sharing a sense of mutual respect. That dynamic shifted dramatically during a tense appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast. Since then, the tension between them has only grown. But even so, Usman insists there was no satisfaction in seeing his former peer fall short.
In the latest episode of their podcast, Cejudo playfully asked the former champion if Belal Muhammad’s recent defeat felt like a birthday present. Usman’s reply, however, struck a more thoughtful tone, offering a response that was both gracious and telling. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ said, “Listen, no. People get so invested in this game to where they think that I’m supposed to be happy because he lost. Why would I be happy because he lost? I hadn’t fought him yet, you know? It wasn’t that—um, yes, me and him weren’t… like, we weren’t the best of friends, I’ll tell you that for sure. But that doesn’t mean I’m happy that he lost.”
It’s a mature stance, and one that complicates the narrative. Their relationship has clearly shifted from professional respect to personal rivalry, but there’s still a layer of sportsmanship there. The rivalry between these two never led to a fight inside the Octagon.
The UFC has yet to confirm anything, but based on the fallout from the podcast clash, don’t be surprised if Dana White makes the call. What do you think, should Usman and Muhammad finally settle it in the cage? Drop your take in the comments below.
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