Kamaru Usman has recently been told that he is not worthy of a title fight against Islam Makhachev, primarily because he has declined other potential matchups in the past.
Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, is facing some backlash regarding his desire to have Usman as his next challenger. Makhachev firmly believes that going up against Usman would pose the greatest challenge for him at this moment in his career. He argues that Usman, having faced a multitude of opponents over the years, has a wealth of experience that could make for an intriguing bout. However, many critics point out that while Usman has indeed fought a greater number of high-profile matches, the newer contenders have been securing more remarkable victories recently, which raises questions about Usman's current standing.
Adding to the discussion, Usman’s manager invoked the example of Jon Jones versus Stipe Miocic to support the claim that Usman’s established legacy should warrant him a title shot. This comparison highlights the idea that a fighter's historical significance can sometimes outweigh their recent performances, a viewpoint that is not universally accepted.
In contrast, many within the MMA community emphasize the importance of recent accomplishments, suggesting that fighters should be rewarded based on their latest performances rather than their past accolades.
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So, does Kamaru Usman truly deserve a shot at Islam Makhachev given his extensive resume? What are your thoughts on the possibility of the former champion receiving another title opportunity? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below!
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Belal Muhammad, another prominent name in the welterweight division, asserts that he should be ranked higher than Usman in the title contention hierarchy. The year 2025 has not been particularly kind to Muhammad, who had entered 2024 as the welterweight champion but then suffered two consecutive defeats.
Reflecting on his journey and future, Muhammad has expressed his views on Kamaru Usman potentially getting the next title shot during a recent video on his YouTube channel. Given their ongoing rivalry, it’s no surprise that Muhammad disagrees with Usman’s claim to a title fight. He argues that Usman's recent inactivity and lackluster record should disqualify him from consideration, especially since Usman turned down other match opportunities.
Muhammad stated, "We see Islam Makhachev planting the seeds that Usman should be the next challenger. It’s clear that they share the same manager, who seems to be influencing these discussions. Do I view Usman as an easier opponent for Makhachev? Absolutely. He has fought just once in three years and holds a record of 1-3 in that span. Meanwhile, despite my recent setbacks, my overall record remains respectable at 2-2. It’s puzzling that Usman would be considered when he turned down fights, which shouldn’t earn him a title shot."
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Additionally, in his video, Belal Muhammad named Michael Morales as the most deserving contender in the welterweight division at present. Morales recently shared insights into his upcoming fight negotiations, indicating that he might not be the next in line to challenge Makhachev. Nonetheless, many, including Muhammad, argue that Morales’ impressive knockout victory at UFC 322 has solidified his position as a top contender.
Muhammad remarked, "Who do I believe deserves the next title shot? Without a doubt, it’s Michael Morales. He has proven himself by defeating a strong competitor like Sean Brady and maintaining an undefeated record, finishing Brady decisively. What more could one possibly do to earn this opportunity?"
