TLDR
- Kamaru Usman has requested a title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev
- Usman claims he is “the best test” for the current 155-pound champion
- The move would require Usman to drop 15 pounds from his normal welterweight division
- Usman held the welterweight title from 2019 to 2022 and hasn’t fought since March 2023
- Makhachev won the lightweight title in 2022 and has defended it multiple times
Sources: Yahoo Sports | MMA Junkie
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has publicly requested a title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The move would mark Usman’s first attempt at competing in the 155-pound division.
Usman believes he presents the toughest challenge available for the current lightweight champion. “I’m the best test” for Makhachev, Usman stated in recent comments about the potential matchup.
The 36-year-old fighter held the welterweight title from 2019 to 2022 before losing to Leon Edwards. Usman competed at 170 pounds throughout his championship reign and most of his UFC career.
The Case for a Champion Versus Champion Fight
Usman has been making his pitch to UFC officials and fans for the high-profile bout. He argues that his experience and skills make him an ideal opponent to test Makhachev’s dominance.
Makhachev currently holds the lightweight championship and has defended his title multiple times. The Dagestani fighter trains under the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov and has compiled an impressive winning streak.
A fight between the two champions would require Usman to drop 15 pounds from his normal fighting weight. The former welterweight king has never competed at lightweight in his professional MMA career.
Usman’s welterweight record includes victories over top contenders like Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns. He defended his title five consecutive times before Edwards defeated him by knockout in 2022.
The former champion has not fought since his trilogy bout with Edwards in March 2023. That fight also ended in defeat, with Edwards winning by majority decision.
Makhachev’s Current Status
Makhachev won the lightweight title in October 2022 by submitting Charles Oliveira. He has since defended the belt against Alexander Volkanovski twice and knocked out Dustin Poirier.
The champion’s team has not publicly responded to Usman’s challenge. UFC officials have not announced any plans for Makhachev’s next title defense.
Other lightweight contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira are also in line for potential title shots. The division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC.
Usman’s request comes as the UFC continues to book super fights between champions from different weight classes. The promotion has a history of creating these matchups when they generate fan interest.
The welterweight division currently has Belal Muhammad as champion after he defeated Edwards in July 2024. Usman has not indicated plans to return to 170 pounds to challenge for his former title.
Moving down in weight at age 36 would present physical challenges for Usman. Fighters typically find weight cuts more difficult as they age and their bodies change over time.
Usman maintains that his wrestling background and championship experience would give him advantages against Makhachev. Both fighters are known for their grappling skills and ability to control opponents on the ground.
