Kamaru Usman has his eyes firmly set on the UFC 322 main event, and for good reason.
The former welterweight champion, recently hailed by Dana White as the division’s GOAT, is ready to reclaim his throne. After a dominant win over Joaquin Buckley in June, Usman proved he’s still one of the most dangerous men at 170 pounds. That victory, coupled with his legendary resume, puts him in prime position for another title shot.
With Jack Della Maddalena defending his belt against Islam Makhachev this weekend, Usman made it clear where his focus lies.
“I made it clear what I want is that title back,” Usman told MMA Fighting. “That’s where I rightfully belong. Had it not been for a stupid mistake with a minute left against Leon Edwards, we’re not having this conversation right now. But I’ve taken time to heal, to come back stronger, and I think I’ve answered all the questions people had about me.”
Usman admits Buckley was a risky comeback opponent, a dangerous striker with knockout power, but his dominant performance erased doubts about whether the former champ still had it.
“A lot of people were saying time had passed me by, that I couldn’t handle the new, hungry contenders,” Usman said. “But I think I showed everyone that I still belong at the very top.”
Now, as the UFC prepares for its 2026 White House event and a new broadcast era with Paramount, Usman wants to be part of something massive, preferably a showdown with Islam Makhachev if he captures the welterweight title at UFC 322.
“I think if you look at the company right now, Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira is huge, and the return of Conor McGregor will always sell,” Usman said. “But myself and Islam? That’s two former pound-for-pound kings. It’s never happened before, it’s a massive fight. I love Islam, but this is pure competition, the best versus the best.”
Usman isn’t overlooking Jack Della Maddalena, though. He sees the Australian champion as a legitimate threat and a worthy opponent if he retains the belt.
“Myself and JDM is also a big fight, the new guard versus the old guard,” Usman said. “But two pound-for-pound greats like me and Islam going at it? That’s blockbuster material.”
While he’s rooting for Makhachev to make history, Usman admits the situation feels bittersweet. If Makhachev wins this weekend, he’ll tie Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive UFC victories, one better than Usman’s own 15-fight streak that ended with Leon Edwards’ infamous head kick at UFC 278.
“It’s difficult, especially when people bring it up,” Usman said. “Winning 15 in a row in the UFC is no joke. If Islam ties the record, that’s impressive, but yeah, it’s bittersweet. Because if he wins, he passes me. If he loses, that potential matchup between us might fade a bit. Either way, it’s a great position for him to be in.”
At 37, Usman still believes he’s got championship material left in the tank, and he’s not shy about saying so. Whether it’s Makhachev or Maddalena, “The Nigerian Nightmare” wants whoever holds that belt next.
“I’m not sitting here saying I just want Islam,” Usman said. “I want the title. Whoever walks out of UFC 322 with that belt, that’s the fight I want.”
Usman may have already built a Hall of Fame career, but his hunger for gold hasn’t faded. And if UFC 322 goes his way, don’t be surprised to see Kamaru Usman back in the title picture, right where he believes he belongs.
