Following Kamaru Usman’s UFC Atlanta victory over Joaquin Buckley on June 14, fellow welterweight contender Kevin Holland shared his strong belief that Islam Makhachev will face little difficulty with the division’s top fighters. This prediction comes as Makhachev prepares to move up from lightweight, where he has long reigned as champion, to challenge the welterweight ranks.
At UFC Fight Night in Atlanta, Usman secured a dominant decision after five rounds, signaling a return to form with his first victory since 2021. Despite his recent setbacks, Usman, known as ‘The Nigerian Nightmare,’ remains in contention for another title shot due to his demonstrated skill and experience.
Holland, observing the outcome in Atlanta, expressed his confidence succinctly on social media, writing, “Islam smokes em,” emphasizing his belief that Makhachev will quickly establish dominance upon entering the welterweight division.
Kamaru Usman Eyes Future Title Shot Against Makhachev or Della Maddalena
After his win against Buckley, Usman outlined his ambitions to reclaim championship glory by challenging the winner of the upcoming bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. The 38-year-old veteran sees himself as the most prominent figure in the welterweight division and is eager to reclaim his spot at the top.
At the post-fight press conference, Usman emphasized his standing, stating,
“Let’s be honest, I’m the biggest (name) in the division.”
He reinforced his anticipation for a matchup against Makhachev, adding,
“If Islam (beats Della Maddalena), former pound-for-pound, current pound-for-pound. Who doesn’t pay for that?”
This highlights his recognition of Makhachev’s elite status and the potential high stakes of their possible collision.
Usman originally earned his place as champion in 2019 by decisively dethroning Tyron Woodley. He defended the welterweight title five times before losing it to Leon Edwards via a stunning head kick comeback. Despite that defeat, Usman remains a significant contender intent on proving he belongs at the pinnacle once again.
Islam Makhachev’s Move to Welterweight Signals Major Division Shift
Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate his lightweight title and pursue fights at welterweight marks a notable transition in the UFC landscape. As the reigning lightweight champion from Dagestan, Makhachev is aiming to join the ranks of two-division champions, a prestigious achievement in mixed martial arts.
His move has sparked varied predictions—from skepticism to strong endorsements like Holland’s—about how quickly he will adapt to the challenges posed by the larger welterweight fighters. The upcoming contest with Jack Della Maddalena will serve as a critical gauge of his ability to succeed in a tougher weight class, one where fighters like Usman still hold considerable sway.
This evolving scenario in the welterweight division is poised to redefine rankings and title opportunities, with Usman preparing for a high-profile matchup that could solidify who truly leads the division going forward.