Picture this: a UFC welterweight champion boldly pushing for a clash with a once-dominant force, potentially igniting debates that could redefine the division. But here's where it gets controversial – is calling out a fighter on a losing streak a stroke of genius or a recipe for disaster? Let's dive into Islam Makhachev's bold stance and unpack why he's targeting Kamaru Usman as his next big challenge, and explore the ripple effects it's creating in the mixed martial arts world.
Islam Makhachev is firmly reinforcing his eagerness to take on Kamaru Usman in the octagon next. Fresh off his impressive victory over Jack Della Maddalena in November, where he claimed the UFC Welterweight Championship with a commanding display, Makhachev finds himself at the center of discussions about who deserves the next shot at his title. Emerging talents like Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry have been making waves in the 170-pound weight class, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a potential matchup with the new champion. For those new to MMA, the welterweight division is home to fighters weighing between 156 and 170 pounds, and the title holder is seen as the top dog in that group, much like a heavyweight champion in boxing who defends against the best challengers.
Yet, Makhachev has stirred up some frustration among fans and fighters alike with his preference for his next opponent (you can read more about his initial comments here: https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/islam-makhachev/islam-makhachev-confirms-interest-in-defending-ufc-welterweight-title-against-kamaru-usman/). He sees Usman as a captivating fight prospect and shared his reasoning in an interview with Red Corner MMA (check it out via this YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3v4TbBUNCc), as reported by MMAFighting (and for context, here's an interesting tie-in article: https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/nakisa-bidarian-on-how-zuffa-boxing-has-a-similar-playbook-to-their-slap-fighting-league/).
'In my view, Kamaru Usman is the opponent I want to face next,' Makhachev stated. 'Even though it seems the media isn't buying into this matchup, I believe Usman would easily overpower these rising stars like Morales and Prates, who haven't truly been tested at this elite level yet. To me, a bout against Usman represents my toughest challenge, and from a marketing standpoint, we could really hype this up. Think about it – he's a former champion with the most successful defenses in our weight class; that kind of history could make for an entertaining spectacle.'
And this is the part most people miss – Usman's recent performances haven't been his finest. He's posted a 1-3 record in his last four fights, though he did manage to turn things around by securing a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in June. Before that, he suffered three consecutive losses, including back-to-back defeats to Leon Edwards, who is known for his striking precision and adaptability, and a closely contested majority decision setback to Khamzat Chimaev in a thrilling middleweight encounter. For beginners, a majority decision means the judges were mostly but not unanimously in agreement on the winner, highlighting how competitive these fights can be.
Not everyone in the welterweight scene is on board with the idea of Usman earning another crack at the title. One of the loudest critics has been Ian Machado Garry, who went so far as labeling Usman 'irrelevant' as we head into 2026 (dive deeper into Garry's perspective here: https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ian-garry/ian-machado-garry-claims-kamaru-usman-is-fing-irrelevant-in-the-division-amid-islam-machado-garry-vs-usman-rumblings/). Others, like Sean Brady – who recently faced a stoppage loss to Morales – argue that there are more worthy candidates waiting in line. In fact, Brady has publicly advocated for Morales to receive the title opportunity instead. This debate underscores a key tension in MMA: should past glory and experience trump current form and momentum, or does a fighter's recent results disqualify them from high-stakes rematches?
At this point, the UFC hasn't announced who will get the initial challenge against Makhachev's welterweight crown. We'll keep you in the loop with the latest updates on the 170-pound landscape right here on BJPenn.com.
What do you think – is Makhachev right to pursue this fight, or should he stick with fresher contenders? Could Usman's experience give him an edge, or is it time to move on from former champions? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take on this heated topic!
