Belal Muhammad breaks down keys to victory in Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley UFC fight

Belal Muhammad has a vested interest in the UFC on ESPN 69 headliner between Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley.

Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) takes on Buckley (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in Saturday's main event (ESPN, ESPN+) at State Farm Arena. Former UFC welterweight champion Muhammad detailed the keys to victory for each fighter starting with the surging Buckley, who's on a six-fight winning streak.

"Keys to victory for Buckley are put your foot on the gas right away," Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. "You've got to set the pressure. You've got to set the pace. Usman's been out for two years. He already comes at a slow pace. When he's in those brawls and those bigger, more chaotic fights, he gets hit a lot. Colby Covington landed punches on him. So if I'm Buckley, you've got a lot of power, you've got a lot of speed, you've got a lot of momentum right now. So right when the bell rings, put your foot on the gas and go – making it difficult for Usman to set his pace, catch his rhythm.

"No. 2, do not get pushed on the fence. Usman is very good at pushing you on the fence, slowing the fight down, going at his pace, wearing on you, taking you down, making you get back up – wearing on you. He has a lot of five-round experience. So for Buckley, do not keep your back on the fence. If your butt hits the ground, you need to get up quick. Keep it on your feet. That's where your world is. You have a lot of power. You have the speed advantage, and right now you got the momentum."

During Wednesday's media day, Usman said he's no longer interested in fighting Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC) now that he lost his title. However, Muhammad thinks the pair could be on a collision course if Usman gets past Buckley.

"Usman, I think his keys to victory: Obviously, set the pace," Muhammad said. "Don't get out of character. 'Keep it simple, stupid.' Keep your jab. You have a good jab. You have a good pace of pushing guys to the fence and holding them there and making it your speed. Buckley is going to be a lot faster. Slow him down. He's going to be chaotic. You have to have disciplined defense. Don't switch stances left and right – you're not good from southpaw. You get hit a lot. Watch his big head kicks. Usman, I'm cheering for you. I know you said there's nothing there for you with me next, but I want to see you win. Then I want to see you in the cage."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Belal Muhammad's keys to victory for Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley