Islam makhachev is currently number one in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
After Islam makhachev give up the belt lightweight (up to 70,2 kg) to seek his second UFC title, all the spotlights in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg) turned to the Russian. With the expectation that he will be the next challenger for the Jack Della Maddalena, many athletes are already planning a possible confrontation against the number 1 in the pound-for-pound ranking. One of them is the former champion Kamaru Usman.
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In an interview with Kevin Iole, the Nigerian said he believes in Makhachev's potential to win the welterweight belt, but acknowledged that the mission will not be easy. Furthermore, Usman projected an eventual duel between the two, highlighting the great commercial appeal of the fight, which, according to him, could be an excellent way to end his career.
“I really think Islam has the ability to do it (win the welterweight belt), but it’s not going to be easy. Fast forward, I mean, the current pound-for-pound number one against the former pound-for-pound number one, I think that would be a blockbuster, so it would be great, it’ll be a great performance to go out there and get another blockbuster before he retires,” Usman said.
Before dreaming of a title fight against Islam makhachev ou Jack Della Maddalena, Kamaru Usman has a more urgent commitment. The Nigerian, who has suffered three consecutive defeats, faces Joaquin buckley in the main fight of UFC Atlanta, scheduled for next Saturday (14).
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