Kamaru Usman is back! With a short notice fight with Khamzat Chimaev going haywire, the rumors began to spread. With talks about his knees being weak doing the rounds, most thought Usman was finished. But come UFC Atlanta, and Usman was once again in his own element. Remember, going up against Joaquin Buckley is no cake walk. Yet, the dominance Usman portrayed made the MMA realm stand up and applaud. And now that he is back in the mix, Usman has called out Islam Makhachev.
Usman has been eyeing a title shot for a while now. But now that he has won, the noises are louder than ever. Speaking in the post fight presser, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ called out Islam Makhachev. He stated that if Makhachev manages to win against Jack Della Maddalena, Usman would be happy to take him on.
“Let’s be honest, I’m the biggest in the division… If Islam [beats JDM], former pound-for-pound, current pound-for-pound. Who doesn’t pay for that,” said Usman.
Kamaru Usman is eyeing a title shot next after his win at #UFCAtlanta 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 15, 2025
“Let’s be honest, I’m the biggest in the division…
If Islam [beats JDM], former pound-for-pound, current pound-for-pound. Who doesn’t pay for that.”
🎥 @ufcpic.twitter.com/JCyoSyYliO
Surely, Usman did look quite impressive throughout the fight. While he limped on his way to the octagon, it did not affect his performance. Infact, Usman secured takedowns in more than one round against Buckley. Meanwhile, Usman calling out Makhachev makes one thing clear. He is no longer interested in Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman Ditches Belal Muhammad Fight Idea
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ showed some interest recently in fighting Belal Muhammad. However, once Muhammad lost his title to Jack Della Maddalena, Usman’s interest seems to have diminished. In a recent interaction, the former champion did not hide his feelings and rejected the idea of fighting Muhammad.
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“When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal. He had a title…What do you have to offer me? You gonna throw me a little extra cash?” said Usman.
Kamaru Usman isn’t interested in a fight with Belal Muhammad anymore
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 11, 2025
“When Belal Muhammad was champion, there was a reason to fight Belal. He had a title…
What do you have to offer me? You gonna throw me a little extra cash?”
🎥 @ufc #UFCAtlantapic.twitter.com/UtsiADCPZa
Thus, with a strong comeback, it now remains to be seen what awaits next for Kamaru Usman.
Also Read: Kamaru Usman Teases Mega Fight With Islam Makhachev As His Perfect Farewell Moment
