Summary
Kamaru Usman promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In the midst of his campaign to compete for the UFC welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) once again, Kamaru Usman is also contemplating his future outside the octagon. Even before having the opportunity to officially face Islam Makhachev , the Nigerian Nightmare revealed his intention to hang up his gloves at the end of this year, becoming yet another fighter to win titles in two different weight classes.
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In an interview with 'EuroSport' this Monday (16), the former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) revealed his intention to face Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight titles (up to 83,9 kg) later this year.
“In 2026, we want to be able to say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe you did that. You didn’t just win one title, you won two, and then you retired from MMA,’” said the fighter, who is coming off a victory against Joaquin Buckley last June.
🚨🏆 Kamaru Usman reveals he plans on retiring from MMA after winning the welterweight and middleweight belt in 2026:
“In 2026, we want to be saying, 'Wow, I can't believe you actually pulled that off. You didn't just win one title, you won two, and then you walked away from… pic.twitter.com/H2lKySh1tx
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 16, 2026
A hypothetical confrontation with the Chechen would not be unprecedented. In fact, the two faced off for the first time in October 2023, in a duel that the Nigerian accepted at short notice. After three competitive rounds, Chimaev was declared the winner by decision.
Kamaru Usman (left) fighting Khamzat Chimaev (right) at UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
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