VIDEO | Islam Makhachev, Kamaru Usman separated by Khabib Nurmagomedov in UFC 324 faceoff as fight rumors swirl

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and former titleholder Kamaru Usman appear to be on a collision course.

Almost immediately after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev called for a matchup with former titleholder Kamaru Usman for his first title defense. Usman, who returned with a win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta last summer, is regarded by many as one of the greatest fighters in Mixed Martial Arts history.

While fresh talent like Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov make sense for Makhachev’s next fight, the newly-crowned welterweight titleholder remains insistent on fighting Usman next. The fight could come to fruition this spring, as the UFC puts together its 2026 event schedule.

Makhachev and Usman are also represented by the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz, an advantage Makhachev wants to use as leverage to secure the fight. As speculation continues over Makhachev vs. Usman, the two top welterweights came face-to-face backstage at UFC 324, with Khabib Nurmagomedov intervening.

Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman fight rumors swirl after UFC 324 faceoff

As re-shared by Paramount, Usman and Makhachev had a run-in backstage at UFC 324, although it was mostly cordial.

 

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While it appears Makhachev and Usman have mutual respect, their competitive sides will likely spark after a fight is announced. Makhachev is looking to cement himself as an all-time great, while Usman looks to add to his nearly unblemished legacy.

If Usman isn’t in the UFC’s plans for Makhachev’s first title defense, UFC 322 victors Michael Morales and Carlos Prates could be called upon to oppose the new welterweight champ. Both fighters earned wild knockouts at UFC 322.

The undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov could also skip the line over Usman for Makhachev’s next fight. He hasn’t fought since a win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310.