Former champion admits that a duel with Islam Makhachev is unlikely to happen; find out why.

Islam Makhachev is a former UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

To the relief of most sports fans, it can be said that Islam Makhachev 's first defense as UFC welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) will not be against Kamaru Usman . The Nigerian Nightmare came forward this Thursday (26) to expose the difficulty encountered by those behind the scenes at the Ultimate to make the duel a reality.

See too

Paulo Borrachinha's rival expresses concern about the fight taking place at UFC 327.

How to watch UFC Mexico, featuring Moreno vs. Kavanagh and 3 Brazilian fighters, LIVE on TV and online.

Diego Lopes surprises everyone and considers switching from featherweight to lightweight in the UFC.

In the latest episode of the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast, which he co-hosts with Henry Cejudo , the wrestler revealed that despite suggesting the fight to Hunter Campbell, the matchmaker's response was not what he had hoped for.

“Obviously, the fight with Islam is what I wanted. And for some reason we talked about it, but Hunter Campbell thinks differently and says, ‘Maybe not.’ Other things were presented to me, like DDP. DDP was presented to me. One thing about me is that when they call me and talk about this guy or that guy, I say yes. It has to be meaningful – if it leads me to the title, that’s what I want,” he stated.

Kamaru Usman claims Hunter Campbell isn't in favor of the Islam Makhachev fight. 👀🤯

“The Islam fight is obviously what I wanted, and for some reason we had conversations, but Hunter Campbell feels differently, and Hunter Campbell is like, 'Maybe not.'”

(Via @pound4poundshow ) pic.twitter.com/vUTAu1n7uz

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 26, 2026

Approaching his 39th birthday, Usman last fought in June of last year, when he defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision, breaking a three-fight losing streak. After Islam Makhachev won the title , both fighters expressed a desire to face each other. At a time when their challenges became more frequent, some viewers noticed that both were managed by Ali Abdelaziz, one of the most famous and influential managers in the world of MMA.

At that moment, it seemed that both would have their requests granted. However, considering the large number of contenders for the belt in the category, the veteran should be left aside.

Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.