Imagine stepping into the octagon with an opponent so dominant, so well-rounded, that even the thought of facing them sends a shiver down your spine. That’s exactly how Kamaru Usman feels about a potential matchup with UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. But here’s where it gets controversial—Usman believes he’s the only contender capable of truly challenging Makhachev, and he’s not afraid to say it.
Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) cemented his championship status with a commanding victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York last Saturday. In his post-fight remarks, Makhachev singled out Usman as the fighter he sees defeating top contenders like Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, both of whom scored impressive knockout wins that same night. And this is the part most people miss—Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC) doesn’t just agree with Makhachev; he’s openly acknowledged the fear that comes with facing such a complete fighter.
On his Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman admitted, ‘When I look at someone like Islam, I don’t see glaring weaknesses, and that’s what scares me. That’s what gets my heart racing, because it’s in those moments that you witness the most breathtaking performances.’ He drew a parallel to his first fight with Colby Covington, recalling, ‘That’s when I realized I was up against someone who could match me in wrestling, grappling, and striking. How do you secure a win against someone like that?’
Usman’s respect for Makhachev’s skill set is undeniable, but he also raises a critical point about the division’s rising stars. He argues that fighters like Prates and Morales, while impressive, haven’t yet faced the kind of well-rounded challenges that a champion like Makhachev presents. ‘If Prates were the champion, what happened to Della Maddalena could easily happen to him,’ Usman explained. ‘We need to see how they handle pressure, how they respond when someone pushes them, drags them down, or forces them to adapt. Morales, for instance, has only been tested on his feet. We haven’t seen how he performs when he’s truly under fire.’
Here’s the bold question—Is Usman right to be intimidated by Makhachev, or is he underestimating the potential of the division’s newcomers? And more importantly, does this matchup represent the ultimate test of skill and strategy in the welterweight division? Let’s spark a debate—do you think Usman stands a chance, or is Makhachev simply too dominant? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
