Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion, has declared his intention to challenge the victor of the upcoming UFC 322 title fight between current champion Jack Della Maddalena and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Usman’s resurgence came after a decisive victory against Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 69, snapping a three-fight losing streak and re-igniting his championship aspirations. This win has propelled him back into the title conversation, and he has now set his sights on the high-profile Madison Square Garden event where the welterweight title will be contested. Usman believes his recent performance has solidified his position as a top contender and the rightful challenger for the winner of the Della Maddalena-Makhachev clash.
Usman’s rationale for demanding a title shot rests on two key arguments. Firstly, a victory against Della Maddalena would afford him the opportunity to reclaim the welterweight title and definitively prove his dominance against a rising star in the division. Della Maddalena, in his first title defense, represents a formidable challenge and a victory over him would re-establish Usman’s position at the top of the welterweight hierarchy. Secondly, if Makhachev triumphs and captures the welterweight belt, a fight against Usman would represent a clash of titans, a pound-for-pound super-fight between two of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. This scenario presents a compelling narrative and a potentially historic matchup, further bolstering Usman’s claim for a title shot.
Usman emphasizes his recent win against Buckley as evidence of his continued relevance and competitiveness at the highest level of the sport. He argues that he has answered the questions surrounding his form and capabilities, demonstrating that he can still compete with the top contenders in the division. This performance, he believes, serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring skill and tenacity, despite his previous setbacks. He asserts that he is “not worried” about the competition and is confident in his ability to challenge and defeat whoever holds the welterweight title after UFC 322.
The welterweight division is currently brimming with talent, featuring a roster of formidable contenders. Fighters like Sean Brady, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ian Machado Garry are all vying for a shot at the title. Former champion Belal Muhammad, having lost the belt to Della Maddalena at UFC 315, is also actively campaigning for a rematch. Despite this competitive landscape, Usman believes his impressive record of 16 UFC wins, coupled with his experience as a former champion, distinguishes him from the pack and makes him the most deserving challenger. His extensive experience within the Octagon and his previous reign as champion, he argues, solidify his claim to a title opportunity.
Usman’s argument for a title shot is grounded in both his past achievements and his recent resurgence. His reign as welterweight champion established him as a dominant force in the division, a status he aims to reclaim. His victory against Buckley serves as a testament to his resilience and his ability to bounce back from adversity, signaling that he is still a force to be reckoned with. He presents a compelling case, highlighting the potential for high-profile, exciting matchups against either Della Maddalena or Makhachev.
Ultimately, Usman’s call for a title shot hinges on the outcome of the Della Maddalena-Makhachev fight at UFC 322. He positions himself as the logical next opponent for either fighter, offering a compelling mix of experience, proven skill, and a narrative of redemption. Whether the UFC will grant him this opportunity remains to be seen, but his recent victory and vocal campaign have undoubtedly placed him firmly back in the title conversation. He awaits the outcome of UFC 322, ready to stake his claim against whoever emerges victorious.
