PERTH, Australia – [autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] is surprised with [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag]'s trash talk, but doesn't fault him for it.

Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) has had to deal with a lot of hate and doubt in his climb to the top, and hasn't minced his words since dethroning Leon Edwards to claim the welterweight title at UFC 304 in July.

Muhammad has even traded barbs with former champion Kamaru Usman, who he has his sights on – even though he's on a losing skid.

"Having a champion that starts speaking your name, talks about what you did and not being impressed by what you did when what you did was so impressive, it's awesome," Cormier told MMA Junkie of Muhammad and Usman's spat. "It makes you viable again. But Belal did it. Belal's the champion, and honestly, I don't hate it. That Belal Muhammad is a nightmare since he got that belt.

"He ain't holding his tongue, and he shouldn't have to. He's the man. He's going crazy right now, and it's just funny. When he was talking about Kamaru, he said him and Colby (Covington) did cardio kickboxing or some sh*t, and he said your podcast is this, and your part in the movie sucked, too. I'm like, 'Oh my God, this guy is a nightmare!' He goes at everybody. Belal Muhammad – I never thought that (I'd see that)."

Muhammad also vows to be an active champion that takes on all comers. Undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov wanted to remind the champion that he's coming, and Muhammad didn't back down.

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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Daniel Cormier: Belal Muhammad 'ain't holding his tongue, and he shouldn't have to'