Usman: Great Opportunity Against Makhachev for the UFC Title

The former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, aims to be the first challenger for Islam Makhachev’s title, and is confident of having a “great” opportunity to achieve it. Usman, with a record of 21-4, is emerging as one of the most attractive options for Makhachev, who conquered the welterweight title in an outstanding performance at UFC 322. Makhachev, recently arrived in this category, after being lightweight champion, faced Jack Della Maddalena. Usman, who held the title from 2019 to 2022, believes that the time is right for this fight to take place.

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 raise their name, but, with all due respect, this is also an entertainment company. The biggest and most impactful fights are sought after, and this is an obvious decision.

Kamaru Usman

Makhachev, considered by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter, has also expressed his preference for facing Usman. In addition, he has stated that he would be willing to receive Ilia Topuria, champion in two UFC divisions, in the 170-pound category. 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. Usman, 38 years old, acknowledges Topuria’s track record as a two-division champion, but sees no benefits for Makhachev in that matchup.

Do you see Ilia Topuria going up to welterweight, potentially winning the title and then defending it against welterweights? Nobody sees it that way. Therefore, it would be just to create 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 everything to lose. If something goes wrong and you lose, you lost against a featherweight, you know?

Kamaru Usman

Usman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, which started a streak of three losses between 2022 and 2023. However, he recovered earlier this year, defeating Joaquin Buckley by decision in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in June.