Cagepotato · Dec 27, 2025
Was Islam Makhachev vs Kamaru Usman Planned for January 2026?
Islam Makhachev, Kamaru UsmanEver since Islam Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and became the undisputed UFC welterweight kingpin, there have been talks about Makhachev facing former champion Kamaru Usman next.
Although not everyone has seconded the idea, Usman and Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has vowed to make this fight happen. On the other hand, Jorge Masvidal, Henry Cejudo, and a few others believe Usman is worthy to be the next title challenger.
Makhachev considers ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ to be his hardest fight at welterweight and believes that the 38-year-old holds the skillset to beat every top 170-pounder, even now.