Kamaru Usman Opens Up About Fighting ‘Friend’ Islam Makhachev—and He’s Not on the Same Page as Belal Muhammad

In the world of mixed martial arts, personal friendships and professional ambitions often collide. Some fighters draw a hard line between friendship and business, while others tread more carefully. When it comes to one rising dilemma—whether to fight Islam Makhachev—former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and top contender Belal Muhammad aren't seeing things eye to eye.

A Friendship Tested by Opportunity

Belal Muhammad has made it clear that he wouldn't fight Islam Makhachev, citing both their personal connection and shared dedication to faith. To him, it’s more than business—it’s about brotherhood. But Usman, no stranger to stepping into the Octagon with high stakes on the line, offers a very different perspective.

Speaking on a recent podcast appearance, Usman opened up about how he views situations like these. His take? Sometimes, when greatness calls, you have to answer—no matter who stands across from you.

The ‘Friend or Foe’ Debate Among Fighters

The sport is full of moments when pals become opponents. Usman himself isn’t a stranger to fighting friends. He faced Gilbert Burns back in 2021, a former teammate and friend, and came out victorious. Before the fight, emotions ran high. But Usman treated the contest with the seriousness it deserved, even while acknowledging the unusual dynamics.

His belief is that if your friend makes it to the top, and you're right there next to them, fighting for that same crown—they’re a stepping stone in your path to greatness. It's not personal. It's professional.

Usman’s Surprising Stand on Makhachev

When asked specifically about the idea of fighting Islam Makhachev, Usman didn’t flinch. He praised the Dagestani star, calling him a “phenomenal” fighter and acknowledging the friendly bond between them. But would that stop him from accepting a fight? Not at all.

“At the end of the day,” Usman explained, “this is what we do. We're competitors.” He went on to say that if their paths crossed because of rankings and title implications, he wouldn't hesitate.

What sets Usman apart is how he navigates the blurred lines between friendship and rivalry. He respects bonds outside the cage but knows that inside, only one thing matters—winning.

Belal’s Stance: Brotherhood Over Business

In contrast, Belal Muhammad recently told media he wouldn’t fight Makhachev "under any circumstances." To him, the bond isn't worth jeopardizing. Their connection goes beyond training sessions—it’s rooted in culture, faith, and mutual respect.

While some fans praised Belal for standing his ground, others questioned whether such loyalty might stand in the way of his meteoric rise. After all, when the title’s within reach, few can afford to turn down golden opportunities.

Can You Really Stay Friends in the Fight Game?

This situation digs into a bigger question about MMA: Is it possible to maintain real friendships at the highest levels of competition?

In other sports, teammates don’t compete against each other. But in mixed martial arts, the entire structure demands one-on-one showdowns—even between friends, gym mates, and former mentors. The deeper you go into the sport, the smaller the circle gets. Eventually, paths are bound to cross.

Think about iconic matchups: Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans, Daniel Cormier vs. Cain Velasquez (a fight that never happened out of respect), and yes, Usman vs. Burns. They're all examples of how the MMA world constantly forces these dilemmas.

Two Approaches, One Goal

What’s truly fascinating here isn’t who's right or wrong—it’s how two elite athletes can hold such different philosophies while ultimately chasing the same dream: gold.

Usman sees competition as the great equalizer. No friendship, no loyalty—just skills, drive, and the will to become the best.

Belal, on the other hand, measures success with a different ruler. To him, honor and principles might outweigh the belt, and that’s a belief not everyone in the fight world shares.

So, What Happens if They Both Rise at the Same Time?

The possibility of both Muhammad and Usman working their way into title contention again isn’t far-fetched, especially if Makhachev considers a move to welterweight. And if that happens, fans may witness a scenario where choices must be made—either stepping aside or stepping up.

Would Belal reconsider if the title was on the line? Would Usman feel torn if Makhachev was the last man standing between him and legacy?

Only time will tell. But one thing's certain: Usman and Muhammad offer a fresh look at how two fighters—both grounded in similar values—can take completely different roads.

Fighting Isn't Always About the Punches

This story isn’t just about who’s willing to fight whom. It’s about how people navigate ambition, loyalty, and personal values in high-pressure careers. It’s about friendships being tested in the fire of competition. And it’s a reminder that in MMA, every decision—outside and inside the cage—carries weight.

As fans, we love the action. But sometimes, the most compelling battles happen long before the cage doors close.

Final Thoughts

Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad are both warriors—there's no doubt about that. But as this recent situation shows, even seasoned fighters approach moral crossroads differently.

• Usman’s mindset: Friendly or not, if you stand in the way of greatness, we fight.
• Belal’s philosophy: Some bonds matter too much to break, even for a title shot.

It'll be interesting to see how these ideals play out in the years to come. In the meantime, fans can only hope that if Makhachev enters the welterweight waters, the drama outside the cage might just rival what happens inside it.

And if that time comes, one fighter might be ready to tap gloves—and the other might just walk away, still a friend, still undefeated in his own way.