Kamaru Usman’s next move regarding his UFC career hinges on a significant choice about whether to wait for a welterweight title shot or take a fight sooner. His manager has indicated that the decision lies with Usman himself, following his recent return to the Octagon after almost three years away.
Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, made a comeback in June at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta, where he defeated promising contender Joaquin Buckley. This victory demonstrated that Usman still has the capacity to compete at a high level and has revived his ambitions of regaining the 170-pound title. However, securing a title shot next depends largely on whether he is willing to be patient or prefers to remain active with other fights in the meantime.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz Explains Usman’s Title Shot Situation and the Waiting Game
In a recent discussion on Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast, manager Ali Abdelaziz described the current crossroads facing Usman. After rejecting calls from contender Belal Muhammad following UFC Atlanta, Usman declared his intention to fight for the title next. Abdelaziz made it clear that while a title opportunity is possible, it will ultimately depend on Usman’s willingness to wait.
“Honestly, it’s up to Kamaru,” Abdelaziz said, explaining the uncertainty surrounding the timing. He pointed out Usman’s value to the promotion and his status as the welterweight division’s biggest name considering his track record and marketability. Abdelaziz emphasized the dilemma:
“But, is Kamaru Usman willing to wait a year? That is the question,”
—Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
Usman himself expressed mixed feelings about the waiting period and his eagerness to stay active. After his win, he admitted feeling the restlessness that comes with training without a set fight date. He acknowledged being honest with himself about his readiness and condition after time away from competition.
“Yeah, I might not want to wait. Or I might be like, ‘Okay, I need to give some things time to heal.’ It’s one of those situations, I don’t know.”
—Kamaru Usman, UFC Fighter
Usman Open to Facing Islam Makhachev Despite Personal Friendship
Another storyline emerging around Usman’s potential future bouts involves Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight UFC champion who recently considered moving up to 170 pounds. This move became feasible after Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad, clearing the way for Makhachev to pursue fights in the welterweight division. While Makhachev and Muhammad maintain a friendship that delayed matchups, Usman is prepared to separate personal ties from professional goals.
During another episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman commented on the possibility of fighting Makhachev if he secures the welterweight title, referring to it as a major contest between two elite pound-for-pound fighters.
“It’s one of those things that we’d have to talk about,”
Usman said, recognizing the significance of such a matchup. He emphasized his respect and affection for Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov but stressed maturity and professionalism in navigating fight opportunities.
“I don’t see why not,” Usman concluded when asked about the prospect of clashing with Makhachev inside the Octagon.
The Road Ahead: Implications of Usman’s Choices for UFC Welterweight Division
Kamaru Usman stands at a defining crossroads in his career, balancing patience with the drive to compete. His choice to either wait for a UFC title shot or take interim fights could shape the future dynamics of the welterweight division. Waiting could reinforce his status as the marquee name in the division and preserve his championship hopes, while fighting sooner might maintain his sharpness but delay a title opportunity.
Given Usman’s stature and popularity, UFC President Dana White is reportedly supportive of giving him a shot at the belt, but the timing is critical. A clash with Islam Makhachev remains a tantalizing prospect that could stir significant interest across divisions. Ultimately, Usman’s decision will influence matchmaking and the welterweight landscape heading into the remainder of the year, as fans and analysts await clarity on the “Nigerian Nightmare’s” next chapter.