Kamaru Usman, the well-known UFC welterweight champion, has been persistent in his efforts to challenge Islam Makhachev since the latter defeated Jack Della Maddalena last November. Despite Makhachev’s willingness to defend his title against Usman, UFC matchmakers including Hunter Campbell seem reluctant to arrange this matchup. The promotion has instead proposed a fight between Usman and former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.
Details of UFC’s Proposal for Usman to Fight Du Plessis at Middleweight
During a recent episode of his Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman shared insights about UFC’s offer for him to compete against Du Plessis at 185 pounds. The 38-year-old fighter explained that while he has been pushing to regain the welterweight title, conversations with the UFC have been challenging and inconclusive. After an impressive short-notice bout with Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight in 2023, the UFC appears eager for Usman to continue competing in the higher weight division.
When I say I can still do this at the high level, I mean that. For some reason, we’ve had conversations, and Hunter Campbell feels differently,
Usman said.
He added,
“They haven’t come out and said, ‘Okay, Islam is going to get this guy,’ or Islam is going to get me. But it has been a tumultuous journey with trying to get that done.
Usman further revealed,
Other things were presented to me…DDP was presented to me,
confirming the UFC’s offer. He continued, “Henry, there’s one thing about me, and you know, when they call…I say yes.
“Potentially (moving to middleweight), but this is the thing with me, it has to be meaningful. I am not just here to fight the fight.
If it gets me to the title that I want, that is what I want.
Reasons Why a Move to Middleweight Could Benefit Usman’s Career
Although Usman believes he has earned a chance to reclaim the welterweight belt, a move to middleweight might be strategically advantageous. The welterweight division has several emerging contenders like Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates, who have impressed fans and may be next in line for Makhachev’s title.
Reports have suggested that Ian Machado Garry is currently favored to challenge Makhachev, indicating a growing queue of competitors ahead of Usman in the welterweight division. Switching to middleweight might open a faster route back to championship contention.
The pool of challengers for Khamzat Chimaev, who may defend his title at 185 pounds, is less crowded. Sean Strickland’s rapid return to title contention after losing to Du Plessis highlights the possibility of swift opportunities in this weight class. With his strong performance against Chimaev last year, Usman could be positioned as a leading contender with just one more victorious fight.
Implications of UFC’s Direction and Usman’s Next Steps
Usman’s situation reveals the complexities of matchmaking decisions in the UFC, where fighter preferences, promotion strategies, and fan interest all influence title fights. While Usman remains determined and open to moving divisions, his ultimate goal is clear: a meaningful fight that leads him back to a championship title.
Pending UFC decisions, the outcome of whether Usman faces Du Plessis at middleweight or eventually gets the welterweight title shot against Makhachev will significantly impact the competitive landscape in both divisions. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the next fights unfold.
