UFC welterweight legend Kamaru Usman is at a turning point in his career as new challengers and rising stars are potentially lining up for legacy-shaping fights. As Usman gets ready to step back into the octagon after almost two years, his recent comments about a possible fight with Islam Makhachev are not sitting well with fans.
Kamaru Usman’s Bold Plan to Face Islam Makhachev Sparks Concern Among Fans
The Nigerian Nightmare will be headlining UFC Fight Night in Atlanta this Saturday against rising star Joaquin Buckley. It’s a crucial bout for Usman, as he will be looking to bounce back after three straight losses: one short-notice middleweight fight with Khamzat Chimaev in 2023 and two welterweight title fights with Leon Edwards before that.
If Usman wins, he will be one step closer to earning another title shot and being back in the mix. However, the former welterweight champion is also eyeing Makhachev, who is moving up to welterweight to fulfill his dream of becoming a two-division champion. Makhachev will likely fight the current welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, by the end of 2025, and Usman believes that “Islam is gonna come in and get that belt.”
The Nigerian Nightmare feels that his idea of a fight with Makhachev after the Russian potentially wins the welterweight title would be a “blockbuster” fight, possibly his career’s final fight. While speaking to Kevin Iole, he said, “Fast forward, I mean current pound-for-pound versus former pound-for-pound, I think that’s a blockbuster. That would be a great outing to go out there and get another blockbuster before I sail off.”
However, most fans are skeptical about Usman’s optimism, probably because of his three back-to-back losses and long absence. Many people don’t see him as the favorite against Buckley, as New Mansa is on a six-fight win streak. A loss in Atlanta could throw off Usman’s plans before they even take off. One user commented, “This is going to age horribly after Saturday.”
this is going to age horribly after saturday
— Nell (@reversecondom) June 10, 2025
Another user felt that Usman is not expecting to win and wrote:
He doesn’t expect to win it would appear.
— Guy on the Earth (@guyontheearth) June 10, 2025
One user said that Usman had “already sailed off.”
Spoiler alert! You already sailed off
— BrainGlitchery (@BrainGlitchery) June 10, 2025
The Nigerian-American has been struggling with fitness issues in the lead-up to his last few fights, especially with his knees. One user pointed that out and commented, “Let us see how your knees do vs. Buckley first. Calm down, sir.”
Let us see how your knees do vs Buckley first calm down sir.
— LILPORK (@LilPork07) June 10, 2025
Makhachev is the current pound-for-pound No.1 fighter, and Usman held this distinction some time back. Many fans considered his mindset as a former champion to be the biggest reason for picking Makhachev over him.
He stuck in that “former” mindset he wont let it go everytime he talks its about I was this and I was that
— King_Tut (@LoudPackJJ) June 10, 2025
Prime Usman would maul Islam. Unfortunately, current Usman has no knees so I doubt it.
He needs to worry about getting past Buckley first.
— Kyouma (@kyoumacapital) June 10, 2025
The Nigerian Nightmare doesn’t seem to be limiting his plan with a wish to fight Makhachev. At UFC Atlanta Media Day, he laid out his roadmap with a three-fight plan with the first opponent being Buckley, the second being the winner of Makhachev vs. JDM, and the third, Dricus du Plessis, if du Plessis continues to remain the middleweight champion when the opportunity comes. Usman is also open to fighting Chimaev again.