Kamaru Usman Aims to Be Islam Makhachev’s First Challenger
UFC’s former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, has his sights set on being the first contender for Islam Makhachev’s title and believes he has a “great” opportunity to achieve it. Usman, with a record of 21-4, is emerging as one of the options for Makhachev, who was crowned UFC welterweight champion last weekend after a dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Makhachev, who was the lightweight champion, debuted in this new category last Saturday.Makhachev, considered by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter, has also expressed his preference for facing Usman. In addition, he has mentioned that he would be willing to receive the UFC champion in two categories, Ilia Topuria, at 170 pounds. Following his victory on Saturday, Topuria, who has won titles in featherweight and lightweight, called Makhachev “the most boring in this sport” in a social media post. Usman, 38, although he admires what Topuria has achieved as a two-division champion, sees no benefit 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.
Kamaru Usman
Usman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, which initiated a streak of three losses between 2022 and 2023. However, he recovered earlier this year, when he defeated Joaquin Buckley by decision in a UFC Fight Night main event 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? 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
