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, with a record of 21 wins and 4 losses, is positioned as one of the options for Makhachev, who was crowned UFC welterweight champion after a standout performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Makhachev, who held the lightweight title, moved up to this new category last Saturday. Usman, who was champion from 2019 to 2022, believes the time is right for this match.
Makhachev, recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters worldwide, 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 categories, in the 170-pound division. 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, although he admires what Topuria has achieved as a champion in two divisions, does not see benefits 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 aspire to the title, 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 marked the beginning of a three-fight losing streak between 2022 and 2023. However, he recovered earlier this year, when he defeated rising contender Joaquin Buckley by decision in the main event of a UFC Fight Night evening in June.Do you see 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
