Kamaru Usman on potential Islam Makhachev fight: 'Another blockbuster before I sail off'
Kamaru Usman on potential Islam Makhachev fight: 'Another blockbuster before I sail off'
Kamaru Usman is all for Islam Makhachev's move up to the UFC welterweight division.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) vacated his UFC lightweight title and will get an immediate title shot against newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later in the year.
Although former champion Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) is trying to re-enter the title picture when he faces Joaquin Buckley (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in Saturday's UFC on ESPN 69 headliner (ESPN, ESPN+) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, he sees Makhachev's inclusion in his division as a positive one.
"There's a reason this is the marquee division in the sport, almost in all sports, around this weight class, from lightweight to welterweight," Usman told Kevin Iole. "It's the marquee weight class for excitement. I love it. I love Islam coming up. At one point I probably would have been a little annoyed with it, but I'm older and I'm wiser now.
"At the same time, I love Islam, and I really care for him. If this was the decision he wanted to make and chose to make, then I'm all for it. As it pertains to me as a fighter, I love it. I believe he's next to challenge for that title. As a champion going up, you absolutely should get that opportunity, if you're willing to vacate the belt like he did. I love it."
Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) snapped Belal Muhammad's 11-fight unbeaten run to claim the welterweight title at UFC 315. He managed to stop the majority of Muhammad's takedowns and hurt him on the feet, a similar game plan he'll likely have to impose against Makhachev.
If both Usman and Makhachev emerge victorious in their next fights, "The Nigerian Nightmare" is excited at the possibility of adding another marquee name to his resume.
"I think him and Jack, I think that's a fantastic fight," Usman continued. "I don't count Jack out. Jack is very a formidable opponent. I said that even before his last fight. I said this is a guy, if you sleep on him, he will ruin your day. He went out there and he ruined Belal's year. ...JDM is definitely no easy out for anybody.
"So, it's not just a shoo-in, Islam is going to come in and get that belt. I do think Islam has the ability to do it, but it's not going to be easy. Fast forward, I mean current pound-for-pound vs. former pound-for-pound, I think that's a blockbuster. That would be a great outing to go out there and get another blockbuster before I sail off."
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