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 (21-4) is shaping up as one of the options for Makhachev (28-1), who conquered the UFC welterweight title after a dominant performance at UFC 322. Makhachev, who moved up a weight class last Saturday, was a long-time lightweight champion. Usman, who held the welterweight title from 2019 to 2022, believes it’s the perfect time for this matchup to happen.
Makhachev, considered the number 1 pound-for-pound, 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, 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 moment 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 here.
Kamaru Usman
Usman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, starting a 0-3 streak between 2022 and 2023. However, 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 moving 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 Usman
