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 (21-4) is emerging as one of the options for Makhachev (28-1), who was crowned UFC welterweight champion after a standout performance at UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev, coming from the lightweight division, where he reigned for a long time, moved up a weight class last Saturday.
Makhachev, considered by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, has also expressed his preference for facing Usman. In addition, he has mentioned that he would be willing to receive Ilia Topuria, champion in two UFC divisions, in the 170-pound category. Topuria, who has conquered 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, although he admires what Topuria has achieved as a champion in two divisions, sees no benefit for Makhachev in that matchup.I think the chances [of the fight happening] are great. The time would be now. There are many fighters in the welterweight division who could raise their hand, 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 started a 0-3 losing streak between 2022 and 2023. However, he recovered this year by defeating Joaquin Buckley by decision in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in June.Does anyone foresee Ilia Topuria moving up to welterweight, potentially winning the title, and then defending it against welterweights? Nobody sees it. 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 lose against a featherweight, you know?
Kamaru Usman
