UFC Lightweight and now Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev wasted no time after making history at UFC 322. Fresh off securing his second divisional title, Makhachev has officially called out former champion Kamaru Usman for his first defense of the Welterweight Title. The potential superfight, targeted for 2026, sets the stage for a legacy-defining clash that pits the division’s newest champion against its dominant former king.
Historic Win Sets Up Epic Challenge
Makhachev’s unanimous decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 was historic. By capturing the Welterweight gold, he became the first fighter in UFC history to transition successfully from holding the lightweight championship to reigning over the welterweight division.
Instead of facing emerging contenders, Makhachev is seeking the ultimate test of his new reign. As his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, confirmed, Islam wants to fight “the real deal.”
“He said he wanted to fight Kamaru Usman. Kamaru Usman [had a] 15-fight winning streak, five title defences, [the] greatest welterweight of all time,” said Abdelaziz.
The Stylistic Showdown: Grappling vs. Wrestling
The potential Makhachev vs Usman Welterweight Title defense is a massive attraction because of the stylistic matchup. It is a true clash of MMA titans:
Makhachev: The champion brings world-class, dominant grappling and submission skills that have stifled the lightweight division.
Usman: The former champion is known for his legendary, high-pressure wrestling and clinch work, which powered his dominant run at 170 pounds.
Makhachev himself expressed a clear preference for the former champion: “Kamaru is still dangerous and one of the best in this game. If you give me the choice… I’ll take Kamaru.”
Usman Eager to Reclaim Gold
Usman, who recently found his way back into the win column, is equally eager for the opportunity to challenge for the belt he once held. He has made his intentions clear, stating, “I need to get back to where I belong, and that’s being a champion. Me personally, I feel that I’m next.”
If the matchup is finalized for 2026, a victory over a legend of Usman’s caliber would not only cement Makhachev’s status as an all-time great across multiple weight classes but would definitively settle who the superior wrestler in the Welterweight division truly is.
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