UFC’s former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, aims to be the first challenger for Islam Makhachev’s title and is confident he will have a “great” opportunity to achieve it. Usman, with a record of 21-4, presents himself as one of the most attractive options for Makhachev, who conquered the welterweight title in an outstanding performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last weekend. Makhachev, coming from the lightweight category where he reigned as champion, debuted in this new division on Saturday. Usman, who held the title from 2019 to 2022, believes that the time is right for the UFC to schedule this fight.
Makhachev, recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters worldwide, has also expressed his preference for facing Usman. Furthermore, he has expressed his willingness to receive Ilia Topuria, champion in two UFC divisions, in the 170-pound category. 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 Topuria’s achievements as a two-division champion, does not see any 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 it, but with all due respect, this is also an entertainment business. The biggest and most impactful fights are sought after, and this is an obvious option.
Kamaru Usman
Usman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, which started a streak of three losses 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.Does anyone foresee Ilia Topuria moving up to welterweight, potentially winning the title, and then defending it against welterweights? Nobody sees it that way. Therefore, it would simply be to create a colossal fight for the company. But in that case, what would Islam gain from that? 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
