Kamaru Usman has made it clear that he wants a title shot against the victor of the upcoming UFC 315 battle between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena (JDM). After a dominant performance over Joaquin Buckley in UFC Atlanta, Usman, known as ‘The Nigerian Nightmare,’ demonstrated his readiness to compete at the highest level once again. The 38-year-old former welterweight champion, returning from a period away from the octagon, showed no signs of rust as he secured a crisp victory that reignited his hopes for a title run.
Usman’s recent win reaffirmed his place as a top contender in the division, despite battling knee injuries and entering the fight as an underdog. Following the triumph, he aimed a pointed message at UFC president Dana White, signaling his desire to face whoever wins the lightweight title bout between Makhachev and Della Maddalena. This insistence places Usman back into the spotlight as a legitimate threat for the championship.
Looking Ahead to a Showdown With Islam Makhachev or JDM
The UFC has indicated that Islam Makhachev’s future depends heavily on his next fight at UFC 315, with the Dagestani star aiming to secure a second title. Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena recently captured the welterweight belt by defeating Belal Muhammad, setting the stage for an exciting superfight. Usman views himself as the foremost contender waiting to challenge either champion.
During the post-fight press conference in Atlanta, Usman stated,
“Let’s be honest, I’m the biggest in the division. And, this is about entertainment. The UFC is an entertainment company. You wanna make the biggest fight, it’s gonna be the winner of JDM and Islam. If Islam pulls that one out, former pound for pound, current pound for pound, who doesn’t pay for that?”
—Kamaru Usman, UFC Fighter
Usman’s confidence in both his star power and marketability reinforces his belief that a matchup with either Makhachev or Della Maddalena will draw massive attention. He seems particularly convinced that Makhachev will emerge victorious in that bout, making a title fight with him a natural next step.
Kevin Holland Predicts a Sweep by Makhachev Over Usman
Despite the anticipation surrounding a potential Usman vs. Makhachev fight, not everyone shares the same expectations. UFC’s outspoken figure Kevin Holland weighed in immediately following Usman’s win over Buckley. Holland suggested that Makhachev would have a clear advantage in any confrontation with Usman.
On the social media platform X, Holland bluntly stated,
“Islam smokes ’em.”
—Kevin Holland, UFC Fighter
This pointed message indicates Holland’s belief that Islam Makhachev’s skills surpass those of Usman, casting doubt on Usman’s chances to reclaim a title against the current lightweight champion. Regardless, Usman’s recent win has made his eagerness for that challenge undeniable, fueling discussion about whether he will receive an immediate title shot or if another fight stands in between.
What’s Next for the Former Welterweight Champion?
Kamaru Usman has reaffirmed his place as one of the UFC’s elite fighters, combining experience and determination after his comeback. His demand for a title match against the winner of the JDM vs. Islam Makhachev fight places pressure on UFC management to shape the welterweight division’s future. Given his recent success and popularity, a bout involving Usman is expected to generate significant fan interest and revenue.
As UFC 315 approaches, all eyes will be on Makhachev and Della Maddalena to see who claims the championship and potentially faces Usman next. The outcome of their fight will likely determine the immediate trajectory of the welterweight and lightweight divisions, highlighting an unpredictable yet thrilling phase in the sport’s landscape.