Kamaru Usman unsure if Islam Makhachev fight happens: “It’s been a tumultuous back and forth”

Kamaru Usman doesn’t know for sure if he’ll be fighting Islam Makhachev next, but perhaps the door is closing.

Usman and Makhachev have expressed mutual interest in sharing the Octagon. Makhachev is the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, while “The Nigerian Nightmare” once ruled the 170-pound weight class.

Some fans have scoffed at the idea of Usman challenging Makhachev for the gold given that he has gone 1-3 in his last four outings. Top contender Ian Machado Garry has also slammed Usman, saying the former welterweight king is irrelevant in 2026.

During a recent episode of the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, Usman revealed that he was told that perhaps the bout with Makhachev won’t be the direction UFC goes in (h/t MMAFighting).

“For some reason, we’ve had conversations, but Hunter Campbell feels differently and Hunter Campbell is like, ‘Maybe not,’ he wants to go a different way. We don’t know yet. They haven’t come out and said Islam is going to get this guy or Islam’s going with me, but it’s been a tumultuous back and forth with getting that done.”

Makhachev has said that while he prefers to face Usman, he’s willing to take on any top challenger at 170 pounds. He has even mentioned the undefeated Michael Morales as a worthy contender.

Usman did reveal talks of a big name at middleweight were brought to his attention.

“Other things were presented to me, like potentially ‘DDP’ was presented to me or other guys,” Usman said. “Listen, there’s one thing about me, when they call and they say this guy or that guy or this guy, I don’t go, ‘Uh, maybe, maybe, maybe,’ no, I say yes.”

Dricus du Plessis hasn’t fought since being outclassed in the grappling department by Khamzat Chimaev back in Aug. 2025. In the process, du Plessis lost the UFC Middleweight Championship.

Do you think UFC will book Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman or will a fresher contender get a welterweight title shot next? Sound off in the comments below.