Ever since Islam Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and have become the undisputed UFC welterweight kingpin, there have been talks about Makhachev going through former champion Kamaru Usman subsequent.
Though not everybody has seconded the concept, Usman and Makhachev’s supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, has vowed to make this combat occur. Alternatively, Jorge Masvidal, Henry Cejudo, and some others imagine Usman is worthy to be the following title challenger.
Makhachev considers ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ to be his hardest combat at welterweight and believes that the 38-year-old holds the skillset to beat each high 170-pounder, even now.
The UFC welterweight champion not too long ago appeared in an interview with Ushatayka, throughout which he revealed that he was supplied a combat in January 2026. Nevertheless, the Russian fighter declined as a result of he believed the supply got here in too late and he wouldn’t have ample time to organize, having completed his UFC 322 coaching camp a couple of weeks again. Makhachev additionally said that he plans to return after Ramadan 2026.
“I used to be supplied a combat in January. I believe January is an not possible date as a result of I had already been in camp for 3 months, they usually known as me in December. They have been like, ‘You’ll be combating in January.’ I stated it was already too late. I wanted to depart for camp and be prepared for January. I instructed them I positively gained’t combat in January. I believe it is going to be after Ramadan for certain.”
Was Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman deliberate for January 2026?
In the course of the same interview, Islam Makhachev was requested if he and Kamaru Usman have been presupposed to combat in January. The 34-year-old added:
“They didn’t inform me the title, however actually, I believe it was [Michael] Morales. That’s my opinion. They didn’t say the title. They simply requested whether or not I might combat in January or not. I don’t suppose [it was Kamaru Usman]… I don’t know for certain, and neither does my supervisor [Ali Abdelaziz].”
Try Islam Makhachev’s feedback under:
Islam Makhachev’s latest feedback point out that the UFC might not be granting Kamaru Usman a title shot subsequent. Usman has managed only one win in his final 4 outings. In the meantime, Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Ian Machado Garry have remained lively and have completed sufficient to be within the title dialog.
Islam Makhachev’s subsequent combat is predicted to be introduced in early 2026, and the P4P king has additionally reaffirmed his curiosity in competing on the UFC White Home 2026 card.
