Kamaru Usman’s recent comments hint at a potential return to the welterweight division following the announcement of the headline bout between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad for UFC 304. During an episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman expressed his excitement about the clarity in the welterweight division and teased his own comeback to the 170-pound weight class, where he once reigned as the undisputed champion.
Usman’s journey in the welterweight division has seen highs and lows, including a dramatic loss of his title to Edwards at UFC 278 via a last-minute head kick KO. Since then, Usman has struggled to regain his momentum, facing setbacks in trilogy bouts against Edwards and a loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Meanwhile, Edwards and Muhammad are set to face off in a highly anticipated rematch, with both fighters boasting impressive records. Edwards holds a 13-fight unbeaten streak, while Muhammad has been unbeaten in his last 10 outings, showcasing his skills against top contenders in the division.
Usman predicts an intriguing battle between Edwards and Muhammad, noting the need for both fighters to make adjustments from their previous encounter, which ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke.
While acknowledging Edwards’ momentum and unpredictability during fights, Usman highlights Muhammad’s ability to maintain a steady pace throughout, which could play to his advantage.
Usman leans towards Edwards as the favorite, citing his confidence as a former champion and predicting a sharp performance if he trains properly for the fight. As the welterweight division continues to evolve, Usman’s potential return adds another layer of excitement to the mix, promising more intriguing matchups in the future.