UFC winner sees little threat for Islam Makhachev in potential matchups with Kamaru Usman or Joaquin Buckley.
The welterweight division took center stage during Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Atlanta, with a former champion aiming to prove he still has a place among the elite.
Kamaru Usman delivered that message loud and clear, controlling Joaquin Buckley over five rounds to earn a decisive victory and snap his three-year winless skid.
It was Usman’s first win since 2021, but despite the gap, the former champ didn’t look far removed from the title picture. With the win, Usman wasted no time staking his claim for another shot at gold.
If Usman does land a title fight, one fellow welterweight doesn’t see him – or Buckley – having much luck against the next big arrival.
Kevin Holland backs Islam Makhachev against Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley
The welterweight division is bracing for a major shakeup with Islam Makhachev set to move up from lightweight.
The dominant 155-pound champion is vacating his title and taking his shot at two-division glory, aiming to carve out a legacy among the sport’s all-time greats.
While opinions on Makhachev’s chances at 170 pounds have been mixed, especially ahead of a rumored clash with new champ Jack Della Maddalena, one veteran welterweight isn’t hesitating to pick sides.
Reacting to Usman’s win, Kevin Holland kept it simple. “Islam smokes em,” he posted on X.
Kamaru Usman is targeting the winner of Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev
Usman made it clear what he wants next.
After halting Buckley’s rise down the rankings, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ set his sights on a shot at becoming a two-time welterweight champion.
“Let’s be honest, I’m the biggest (name) in the division,” Usman said after the fight.
“If Islam (beats Della Maddalena), former pound-for-pound, current pound-for-pound. Who doesn’t pay for that?”
Usman once ruled the division after dethroning Tyron Woodley back in 2019.
The 38-year-old defended the belt five times before Leon Edwards’ iconic head kick brought an end to his reign and sparked a turbulent few years.
The post UFC star makes bold Islam Makhachev prediction after Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley appeared first on HITC.
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