Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman some lofty goals for this year. “The Nigerian Nightmare” plans to end 2026 with two UFC titles.
“2026, we want to say, wow, I can’t believe you actually pulled that off and went and not only took one title but took two and walked away, “Usman told UFC op Eurosport.
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Usman, 38, held the UFC welterweight championship from March 2019 until August 2022 successfully defending the title five times. He holds the record for the most consecutive wins in the UFC welterweight division with 15. The first step in his plan is to win back the 170-pound championship. Islam Makhachev currently possesses the welterweight belt.
“Of course welterweight first because I don’t think the other one happens without the welterweight one because it only makes sense. I’m in this division. I’m still there, so why not take that one first,” he said.
“I think myself and Islam, Islam is a phenomenal guy, phenomenal champion what he’s bee able to do. I just think, as we know, styles make a fight. And I think I’m the most difficult style for him right now, and I think I’m the best test for him because let’s be honest, Islam is extremely talented. That last fight he made it look easy because the former champion just, there was a deficit in the game. And that happens to be where I’m strong as well. I think that’s a tremendous matchup. I love Islam, but I think I get that title.”
If he were able to secure a title fight with Makhachev and defeat him, Usman has been in the octagon with middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev for 15 minutes. The two fought at UFC 294 in October 2023. Usman stepped in a late notice after Chimev’s original opponent, Paulo Costa, was forced out of the bout with an elbow injury. Chimaev defeated Usman via majority decision.
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“If I get that (welterweight) title, I think a lot of people wanted to see that rematch with Khamzat. I would love a full camp,” said Usman. “It was too short and I’ve been accustomed to fighting five-round fights.
“If I was able to get that opportunity again and to actually prepare for a big, strong Khamzat because Khamzat is extremely talented. He’s done everything that was asked of him to do. So, he’s a good champion, and I think having given that opportunity again I would approach that fight a little different,” Usman continued.
