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 21-4, is one of the options for Makhachev (28-1), who was crowned UFC welterweight champion after a standout performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Makhachev, who moved up in weight class after being lightweight champion, is now in a new division. Usman, who held the title from 2019 to 2022, believes the time is right for this matchup to happen.
Makhachev, considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, has also expressed his preference for facing Usman. In addition, he would be willing to welcome Ilia Topuria, champion in two UFC divisions, at welterweight. 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. Usman, 38, admires what Topuria has achieved as a champion in two categories, but sees no advantage for Makhachev in that matchup.I think the chances of the fight happening are very good. The time is 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, and this is an obvious decision.
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 by defeating 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 only 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 against a featherweight, you know?
Kamaru Usman
