Kamaru Usman finds himself within the unlikely place of doubtless securing a welterweight title shot regardless of successful simply as soon as in his final 4 UFC appearances. The previous champion’s path again to championship rivalry opened up following Islam Makhachev’s dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, with the brand new champion particularly naming Usman as his most well-liked first title defence.
Usman’s Surprising Title Shot Pathway
In most circumstances, a fighter with Usman’s current document—1-3 in his final 4 fights—wouldn’t be thought-about for a right away title alternative. Nevertheless, the distinctive circumstances following UFC 322 have created a gap for the Nigerian Nightmare. Whereas rising contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales scored spectacular victories in opposition to Leon Edwards and Sean Brady, respectively, neither has the title recognition or championship expertise that Usman brings to the desk.
Usman’s scenario highlights how timing and relationships can typically outweigh current leads to UFC title footage. His shared administration with Makhachev beneath Ali Abdelaziz’s Dominance MMA creates pure synergy for negotiations, whereas his standing as one of many biggest welterweights in promotion historical past offers the storyline followers can embrace.
Makhachev’s Champion’s Selection
Recent off his UFC 322 victory, Makhachev didn’t hesitate when requested about potential opponents for his first welterweight title defence. “Usman is smart,” the brand new champion said, pointing to the previous titleholder’s credentials and preventing model as the right take a look at for his welterweight debut. This endorsement carries vital weight, as champions usually obtain appreciable enter on their first title defences.
Makhachev’s choice for Usman over hotter contenders like Prates or Morales speaks to the champion’s confidence in his talents. Reasonably than searching for what some may contemplate a better matchup in opposition to much less skilled competitors, Makhachev seems to need the credibility that comes with defeating a former champion, even one who could also be previous his prime.
The Rising Contenders Left Ready
Whereas Usman probably jumps the queue, each Carlos Prates and Michael Morales delivered assertion performances at UFC 322 that might sometimes earn title consideration. Prates’s knockout of Leon Edwards and Morales’s stoppage of Sean Brady demonstrated that the welterweight division boasts thrilling new expertise prepared for championship alternatives.
Nevertheless, the enterprise realities of MMA usually favour established names over rising contenders, notably for main pay-per-view occasions. As one UFC official famous anonymously, “Usman-Makhachev tells a greater story proper now than both of the newcomers in opposition to Makhachev.” This leaves Prates and Morales doubtless needing at the least another vital victory earlier than getting into the title dialog.
Usman’s Final Likelihood at Redemption
At 38 years previous, Kamaru Usman understands this doubtless represents his remaining alternative to reclaim UFC gold. His current losses—two to Leon Edwards and one to Khamzat Chimaev—got here in opposition to elite competitors, however additionally they revealed indicators of decline within the once-dominant champion.
Nonetheless, Usman’s championship expertise and well-rounded talent set make him a respectable menace to any welterweight. His wrestling pedigree might take a look at Makhachev’s defensive grappling, whereas his improved placing offers a number of paths to victory. As Usman himself famous in post-fight interviews, “I’ve been in there with one of the best, and I do know what it takes to win at this stage.”
Conclusion: Enterprise Over Sport
The potential Usman-Makhachev matchup represents one other instance of the UFC prioritising enterprise issues over strict sporting benefit. Whereas Carlos Prates and Michael Morales could have stronger current resumes, neither brings the title recognition or storyline that Usman offers for Makhachev’s first welterweight title defence.
For Usman, this surprising alternative represents maybe his remaining probability so as to add one other chapter to his Corridor of Fame profession. For the welterweight division, it creates an attention-grabbing dynamic the place established names can nonetheless leapfrog rising contenders based mostly on repute and marketability fairly than present type.
Kamaru Usman Title Shot: FAQ
Why does Usman deserve a title shot with a 1-3 document?
Whereas his current document is underwhelming, Usman’s championship expertise, title recognition, and Makhachev’s particular curiosity in preventing him have positioned him for this chance.
How do Prates and Morales really feel about being handed over?
Neither fighter has commented publicly, however sometimes, contenders of their place should proceed successful and wait for his or her alternative, no matter how irritating the wait could also be.
When would Usman vs Makhachev doubtless happen?
Given each fighters’ current exercise, late 2025 or early 2026 appears believable, permitting ample time for promotion and coaching camps.
Has Usman commented on this potential matchup?
Usman has expressed curiosity within the combat, noting that going through Makhachev could be a “legacy combat” for each opponents.
What does this imply for the welterweight division?
It probably creates a logjam on the high, with a number of deserving contenders needing to remain energetic whereas ready for his or her title alternatives.
