The former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, aims to be the first challenger for Islam Makhachev’s title, and believes he has a “great” opportunity to achieve it. Usman (21-4) is one of many options for Makhachev (28-1), who conquered the UFC welterweight title after a standout performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last weekend. Makhachev is new to this weight class, having previously been a long-time lightweight champion before moving up last Saturday. Usman, who held the title from 2019 to 2022, believes the timing is perfect for the UFC to schedule this matchup.
Makhachev, considered almost universally the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, has also expressed his preference for facing Usman. In addition, he has stated that he would be willing to receive Ilia Topuria, UFC champion in two weight categories, at 170 pounds. Topuria, who has won titles in featherweight and lightweight, called Makhachev “the most boring in this sport” in a social media post after his victory on Saturday. Usman, 38, stated that he admires what Topuria has achieved as a champion in two weight categories, but he doesn’t see any advantage for Makhachev in that matchup.I think the chances of the fight happening soon are great. The time would be now. There are many fighters in the welterweight division who could apply, but, with all due respect, this is also an entertainment business. You want the biggest and most brutal fights, it’s obvious here.
Kamaru Usman
Do you foresee Ilia Topuria moving up to welterweight, potentially winning the title, and then defending it against welterweight fighters? Nobody sees that. So, it would just be to make a huge fight for the company. But in that case, what does Islam have to gain from that? He really has nothing to gain and a lot to lose. If something goes wrong and you lose, you lost to a featherweight, you know?
Kamaru UsmanUsman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, which started a 0-3 streak between 2022 and 2023. He recovered significantly earlier this year, when he defeated the promising contender Joaquin Buckley by decision in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in June.
