UFC’s former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, aims to be the first challenger for Islam Makhachev’s title, and believes he has a “great” chance of getting that opportunity. Usman, with a record of 21-4, presents himself as one of the options for Makhachev, who conquered the UFC welterweight title after an outstanding performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last weekend. Makhachev, former lightweight champion, made his debut in this category the previous Saturday. Usman, who held the title from 2019 to 2022, believes it is the perfect time for the UFC to schedule this fight.
Makhachev, considered by many to be 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 welcome Ilia Topuria, another two-division UFC champion, in the 170-pound category. Topuria, featherweight and lightweight champion, called Makhachev “the most boring in this sport” in a social media post after his victory on Saturday. Usman, 38 years old, although he admires Topuria’s achievement as a champion in two divisions, sees no benefit for Makhachev in that matchup.I think the chances of the fight happening are high. The moment 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.
Kamaru Usman
Usman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, which marked the beginning of an 0-3 streak between 2022 and 2023. However, he recovered earlier this year, when he defeated rising contender Joaquin Buckley by decision in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in June.Do you foresee Ilia Topuria going up to welterweight, potentially winning the title, and then defending it against welterweights? 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? He really has nothing to gain and everything to lose. If something goes wrong and you lose, you lost to a featherweight, you know?
Kamaru Usman
