Islam Makhachev will compete for the title against UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena this Saturday at UFC 322. Makhachev, who was the UFC’s pound-for-pound king before vacating the lightweight title earlier this year, has a chance to return to the throne and add to his legendary resume.
Maddalena and Makhachev are set to host a slew of top welterweight contenders depending on who wins at UFC 322 this weekend. Among them is former titleholder Kamaru Usman, who made a strong case for a title shot with a largely dominant victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta.
Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman?
Usman made a strong case for facing the UFC 322 winner during a recent interview MMA junkie.
“A lot of people had a lot of questions: ‘Can he still fight? Is he still this guy? Is he still like this?’ I hope I proved that to everyone (against Buckley),” Usman said.
“I’ve got my eye on this weekend. We’ll see who comes out victorious (Della Maddalena or Makhachev). I think it’s a big fight, it’s a good fight, it’s a tough fight for both guys. I’m sitting here looking at the winner and saying, ‘Okay, let’s go for it.'”
During a recent livestream with influencer Adin RossMakhachev responded to Usman’s comments.
“After Jack, I think of Kamaru Usman,” Makhachev said.
“Kamaru Usman. He has the most title defenses at welterweight, now he’s in a good position.” (h/t MMA junkie)
Usman is arguably the greatest UFC welterweight champion in the promotion’s history after a decorated title reign that included wins over Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington and Gilbert Burns. Before his recent win over Buckley, Usman lost three straight fights, including back-to-back title fights against Leon Edwards.
Makhachev and Usman are managed by the same manager, which increases the likelihood that the match could become a reality after UFC 322. But if Maddalena successfully defends his title, those plans will be thwarted.
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