Ben Askren doesn’t like the thought of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman getting the following title shot. Alternatively, Islam Makhachev, the newly topped 170-pound UFC champion, has proven curiosity in preventing Usman over different contenders, calling ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ his hardest problem.
Carlos Prates, amongst others, has spoken about rumors that Usman is subsequent in line to struggle the P4P king, and the latter’s supervisor has vowed to make Makhachev vs. Usman occur in 2026.
Nonetheless, Askren doesn’t like the thought and believes the opposite high contenders have performed sufficient to struggle for the title over Kamaru Usman. ‘Funky’ instructed Helen Yee Sports activities:
“I don’t wish to sound too biased, however I actually don’t [think Kamaru Usman deserves a title shot]. He clearly was a champion for a very long time, however it’s been a bit bit, and he has had just a few extra losses just lately. The welterweight belt has modified palms a complete lot of instances… I really feel just like the newer guys at welterweight have performed sufficient to justify title pictures for themselves, and I don’t prefer it, and I do know the favourite card will get performed generally in MMA with Dana [White].
Ben Askren thinks Ian Machado Garry has earned a title shot
Ben Askren picked Ian Machado Garry as the following contender who he thinks deserves a title shot. Garry is ranked No. 3 within the 170-pound division. His solely loss in MMA got here on brief discover in opposition to Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2024.
In 2025, ‘The Future’ beat Carlos Prates on brief discover and most just lately cruised to a different unanimous decision win in opposition to former champion Belal Muhammad.
Whereas many agree that Garry deserves a title shot, his lack of finishes within the UFC has made him a much less interesting future title challenger. Nonetheless, ‘Funky’ thinks the Irishman has earned a title shot. In the identical interview, he added:
“I wish to see when the fellows earn it. I don’t love Ian Garry, however I actually suppose he has earned it.”
Try Ben Askren’s feedback under:
