Islam Makhachev Pushes for Kamaru Usman Title Defense Despite Backlash

© Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesNewly crowned UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev isn’t backing down from his preferred choice for his first title defense even as fans and analysts continue to criticize the matchup.

Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC), who claimed the 170-pound belt with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, has repeatedly stated that former champion Kamaru Usman should be next. And despite widespread pushback, he doubled down this week in an interview with Red Corner MMA, delivered in Russian.

“I said I wanted to fight Kamaru Usman next,” Makhachev said. “The media doesn’t believe in this fight… but in my opinion, Usman would steamroll through these…