Kamaru Usman Aims to Be Islam Makhachev’s First Challenger
The former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, has expressed his desire to be the first contender for Islam Makhachev’s title. Usman, confident in his chances, sees a “great” opportunity to get this fight. Usman, with a record of 21-4, presents himself as one of the options for Makhachev, who recently conquered the welterweight title after an outstanding performance at UFC 322. Makhachev, former lightweight champion, moved up to this new weight class last weekend. Usman, who held the title from 2019 to 2022, believes the timing is right for this matchup.Makhachev, recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, has also expressed his preference for facing Usman. In addition, he has opened the door to a fight with Ilia Topuria, champion in two UFC divisions. Topuria, after his victory, called Makhachev “the most boring in the game” in a social media post. Usman, 38, although he admires what Topuria has achieved, sees no 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 speak up, but, with all due respect, this is also an entertainment business. You want the biggest and toughest fights, it’s obvious here.
Kamaru Usman
Usman lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, starting a streak of three losses between 2022 and 2023. However, he recovered this year by defeating Joaquin Buckley by decision in a UFC Fight Night main event 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 from that? He really has nothing to gain and everything to lose. If something goes wrong and you lose, you lost against a featherweight, you know?
Kamaru Usman
