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 in 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, practically considered the number 1 pound-for-pound in the world, has also expressed his preference for a match against Usman over others. He has also welcomed the UFC champion in two weight categories, Ilia Topuria, to 170 pounds. Topuria has won titles in featherweight and lightweight, and called Makhachev “the most boring in this game” in a social media post after his victory on Saturday. Usman, 38, said he admires what Topuria has achieved as a champion in two weight classes, but he doesn’t see any advantage for Makhachev in that matchup.I think the chances [of the fight happening next] are high. The time would be now. There are many guys in the welterweight division who could put their name in the hat but, with all due respect, this is also an entertainment business. You want the biggest and baddest fights, it’s obvious here.
Kamaru Usman
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 from that? 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 UsmanUsman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, which started an 0-3 streak between 2022 and 2023. He recovered significantly earlier this year, when he defeated the promising contender Joaquin Buckley by decision in a UFC Fight Night main event in June.
