The former UFC 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, is one of the options for Makhachev, who conquered the UFC welterweight title after a dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Makhachev, a long-standing lightweight champion, debuted in this new category last Saturday. Usman, who held the title from 2019 to 2022, believes it’s the perfect time for the UFC to schedule this matchup.
Makhachev, considered the number one 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 welcome Ilia Topuria, UFC champion in two divisions, 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 years old, admires what Topuria has achieved as a champion in two divisions, but sees no advantage for Makhachev in that matchup.I think the chances [of the fight happening] are great. The time would be now. There are many guys in the welterweight division who could apply, but, with all due respect, this is also an entertainment company. You want the biggest and most brutal fights, this is obvious.
Kamaru Usman
Usman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, which started an 0-3 streak between 2022 and 2023. He recovered earlier this year, when he defeated 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 a lot to lose. If something goes wrong and you lose, you lost to a featherweight, you know?
Kamaru Usman
