Muhammad dismisses Usman’s layoff concerns amid UFC 281 aftermath

Belal Muhammad has stated he was not surprised by Kamaru Usman’s unanimous decision defeat to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City. Speaking to MMA Junkie on Monday, the former interim welterweight champion argued that Usman’s lack of timing and comfort against Du Plessis’s unorthodox style was a direct consequence of the former champion’s 13-month absence from competition.

Usman, returning from a layoff described by Muhammad as one fight in three years, lost the 185-pound bout with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. Muhammad noted that while he anticipated a back-and-forth contest involving wrestling, the South African’s awkward rhythm proved too difficult for Usman to acclimatise to after such a prolonged break.

“I wasn't really surprised,” Muhammad said. “I picked Du Plessis to win. I thought his awkward style was going to be a little too much... It's hard to get timing, hard to get yourself acclimated to it. I thought that was a little bit too much for him.” He observed that Usman appeared uncomfortable and unable to read the strikes Du Plessis was throwing throughout the 25-minute fight.

Muhammad also expressed confusion regarding Usman’s reported upset with the decision, asserting that the outcome was clear. The loss marks the fourth defeat in Usman’s last five fights as he moves between weight classes. His previous appearance was a win over Joaquin Buckley in June 2025, highlighting the significant gap in his recent activity.

While Muhammad is currently on a three-fight losing streak following his loss to Gabriel Bonfim last month, he emphasised his eagerness to return to the cage. He contrasted his own readiness with Usman’s tendency to take extended breaks, stating he hopes to secure a bout before the end of the year and will not wait indefinitely for a potential matchup with the former champion.