Kamaru Usman has finally opened up about why a potential UFC welterweight title fight against Islam Makhachev never came together.
The former UFC welterweight champion had hoped to challenge Makhachev after the Dagestani star captured the 170-pound title at UFC 322. Instead, the fight stalled behind the scenes, and Usman now finds himself preparing for a high-stakes middleweight clash against former champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma City later this month.
A win over du Plessis could place Kamaru Usman firmly in the conversation for a middleweight title shot, but the Nigerian star admits his primary focus had been securing a showdown with Makhachev.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman explained that prolonged negotiations and discussions surrounding other potential matchups ultimately derailed his title ambitions.
“We all know what fight that I wanted. I wanted that fight,” Usman said.”So, I think there was a lot of back-and-forth stuff being done, and now we’re hearing stories about them potentially trying to make Ilia Topuria versus Islam and all of these things. And I wanted the Islam fight.”
Following Makhachev’s title-winning performance, many believed Kamaru Usman had a strong case to receive the next title shot. Makhachev himself publicly stated that Usman deserved the opportunity ahead of several rising contenders.
However, speculation over a possible superfight involving former lightweight champion Ilia Topuria appeared to slow down movement in the welterweight division.
According to Usman, those discussions dragged on for months while he waited for clarity regarding his next move.
“So all of these things behind the scenes kind of dragged it on and dragged it on and dragged it on,” Usman said.
“And then Dricus du Plessis was mentioned. Not offered, but mentioned, which I believe we talked about earlier on the show.”
Rather than remain inactive while waiting for a title opportunity that might never come, Kamaru Usman decided to pursue another path back to championship contention.
The former welterweight king said his goal has always remained the same — get back into a title fight as quickly as possible.
“What I said was, I just need something that gets me to the title. I just want that,” Usman explained.”If you’re not going to give me the title, then give me something that gets me to the title.”
While Makhachev is now set to defend his welterweight crown against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Usman will shift his focus to the middleweight division and a dangerous challenge against du Plessis.
The matchup presents a major opportunity for Kamaru Usman, who has not competed since defeating Joaquin Buckley last year. A victory over a former champion could immediately thrust him into the middleweight title picture and potentially set up another run at UFC gold.
For now, the highly anticipated clash between Usman and Makhachev remains a missed opportunity, but “The Nigerian Nightmare” remains determined to fight his way back into championship contention, regardless of the division.
