Islam Makhachev, the newly crowned UFC welterweight champion, has stirred controversy among his fans with his recent statements. At UFC 322 this past November, he defeated Jacques Della Maddalena to secure the welterweight title, becoming one of the select fighters to hold championships in two different weight classes. This victory also propelled Makhachev to the top of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, surpassing Ilia Topria and intensifying their ongoing rivalry. However, his announcement regarding his next title defense opponent drew backlash from fans.
Despite several top contenders like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Ian Machado-Galley emerging in the welterweight division, Makhachev has made it clear he wants to face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman next. This choice sparked outrage among the UFC community, given Usman’s recent record of 1-3 in his last four fights, with his only win being against the tenth-ranked Joaquin Buckley. Undeterred by the criticism, Makhachev explained that he believes Usman is the toughest challenge ahead and the most deserving challenger, highlighting Usman’s credentials as a former champion with multiple title defenses.
Makhachev shared with Red Corner MMA that, in his view, despite the media’s doubts, Usman will handle the rising talents such as Morales, Prates, and Machado-Ghaly with ease since they are relatively unproven. He also mentioned that from a media and promotional standpoint, Usman’s status as a former champion could make their bout highly entertaining. He referred to Usman’s decisive victory over Buckley as a sign of his continued dominance, dismissing Buckley as a fleeting contender.
Meanwhile, Carlos Prates, who gained attention by being the first to knockout Leon Edwards, was hoping for a title shot but may have to wait, as Makhachev stays focused on his potential clash with Usman. Meanwhile, Usman himself has shown interest in a fight with Della Maddalena, likely in another title eliminator bout.
Fan Take: This decision by Makhachev could significantly shake up the welterweight division by instigating a clash between two of its most notable figures, potentially reviving interest in Usman’s career and adding a high-stakes narrative. For fight fans, it highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of matchmaking in the UFC, where legacy and marketability can be just as influential as current rankings and recent performances.
