Kamaru Usman has huge plans in 2026. The previous UFC welterweight champion not solely intends to recapture the title that he misplaced in 2022, but additionally desires to change into a two-division UFC champion by dethroning middleweight kingpin Khamzat Chimaev.
Usman gained the 170-pound strap in 2019 and held it till August 2022.
He defended it a complete of 5 instances earlier than losing it to Leon Edwards in a rematch at UFC 278.
In 2023, at UFC 286, “The Nigerian Nightmare” received an opportunity to run it again with Edwards a 3rd time however did not recapture the throne, dropping by majority determination.
Later that 12 months, he moved as much as middleweight to struggle Khamzat Chimaev on 10 days’ discover and as soon as once more suffered a loss by majority determination.
Two years later, in 2025, Kamaru Usman returned to the octagon at UFC Atlanta and delivered a dominant efficiency towards Joaquin Buckley, snapping his dropping skid with a unanimous determination victory.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” desires to struggle reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev next, and Makhachev has additionally proven curiosity in locking horns with the previous.
Kamaru Usman plans to be a two-division UFC champ in 2026
In a current interview with UFC op Eurosport, when Kamaru Usman was requested about how he visualizes 2026 taking part in out for him, he stated:
“2026, we need to say, wow, I can’t imagine you really pulled that off and went and never solely took one title however took two, and also you walked away.”
He added that his major goal is to recapture the UFC welterweight strap first :
“After all, welterweight first as a result of I don’t assume the opposite one occurs with out the welterweight one, as a result of it solely is smart. I’m on this division. I’m nonetheless there, so why not take that one first?”
The Nigerian Nightmare” thinks he’s the “finest take a look at” for Islam Makhachev. He stated:
“I believe myself and Islam, Islam is an exceptional man, phenomenal champion, what he’s been capable of do. I simply assume, as we all know, kinds make a struggle. And I believe I’m essentially the most troublesome fashion for him proper now, and I believe I’m one of the best take a look at for him… I believe that’s an amazing matchup. I like Islam, however I believe I get that title.”
Lastly, Kamaru Usman added that if he will get again the welterweight title this 12 months, his subsequent goal can be to rematch Khamzat Chimaev, this time with a full camp.
“If I get that [welterweight title], I believe lots of people needed to see that rematch with Khamzat. I might love a full camp. It was too brief, and I’ve been accustomed to combating five-round fights. If I have been capable of get that chance once more and to truly put together for an enormous, robust Khamzat, as a result of Khamzat is extraordinarily proficient. He’s accomplished every thing that was requested of him to do. So, he’s an excellent champion, and I believe, having given that chance once more, I might strategy that struggle a bit otherwise.”
The 38-year-old desires to seize two UFC titles, be part of the record of two-division UFC champs, after which trip into the sundown.
Try Kamaru Usman’s feedback beneath (10:00):
