Colby Covington engaged in a peculiar, almost childlike prank targeting Belal Muhammad in the lead-up to UFC 315.
UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad is set to defend his title for the first time this Saturday at UFC 315 in Montreal. Jack Della Maddalena secured this title shot after maintaining an undefeated record in the Octagon, earning the opportunity over numerous other highly-ranked contenders.
Throughout his impressive 11-fight winning streak in the Octagon, Muhammad hasn`t cultivated many positive relationships among his welterweight peers. He has been involved in several conflicts with prominent figures in the division, including three-time title challenger Colby Covington, despite the two controversial fighters never having faced each other in competition.
Even though Covington and Muhammad are on quite different paths in their UFC careers currently, this did not deter Covington from attempting to provoke the reigning welterweight champion from a distance.Belal Muhammad Reacts to Colby Covington’s Latest Trolling at the UFC PI
Covington, who has a history of taunting Muhammad as he climbed the welterweight rankings, has recently become a notable streamer and content creator between his UFC appearances. During a recent livestream while filming a workout at the UFC Performance Institute, Covington reportedly took food intended for Muhammad from a refrigerator in the facility and moved it, making it difficult for the champion to find.
It did not take long for Muhammad to become aware of Covington`s actions.
During his press conference for UFC 315 media day, Muhammad commented on Covington`s recent behavior.
“He hid my food? I wasn`t even in Las Vegas, that just shows how much of an idiot he is,” Muhammad said about Covington. “I don`t know what he`s doing. These guys are acting like YouTubers now. Kamaru is a podcaster, Colby is a YouTuber. They should probably start a podcast together called ‘The Biggest Losers’.”
In addition to his exchanges with Covington, Muhammad has also had intense interactions with one of Covington`s most notable rivals following a podcast recording that reportedly descended into chaos.
Belal Muhammad’s Feud with Colby Covington’s Two-Time Rival Reaches Boiling Point
Muhammad and former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman have traded insults in person and on social media for months, particularly leading up to Usman`s scheduled return to the cage. Their animosity seemingly reached a peak during an upcoming podcast episode that abruptly concluded after only 10 minutes due to an altercation between Usman and Muhammad.
Before his comeback fight at UFC Atlanta, Usman admitted that security would likely be necessary to keep him and Muhammad separated if they were to meet backstage at an event. Usman potentially stands to earn a title shot if he defeats Joaquin Buckley in his welterweight return next month.
Usman recently criticized Muhammad for his refusal to accept a potential future superfight against UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. Muhammad and Makhachev are friends and train together under the guidance of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has reportedly stated he is uncomfortable with the prospect of his two proteges fighting each other.
If Muhammad is successful this weekend at UFC 315, Makhachev`s potential move to the welterweight division might face further delays. Meanwhile, Muhammad`s ongoing tension with Usman continues to escalate, potentially setting the stage for a future confrontation inside the Octagon.
