Ben Askren does not like the idea of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman getting the next title shot. On the other hand, Islam Makhachev, the newly crowned 170-pound UFC champion, has shown interest in fighting Usman over other contenders, calling ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ his hardest challenge.
Carlos Prates, among others, has spoken about rumors that Usman is next in line to fight the P4P king, and the latter’s manager has vowed to make Makhachev vs. Usman happen in 2026.
However, Askren does not like the idea and believes the other top contenders have done enough to fight for the title over Kamaru Usman.