Kamaru Usman says UFC prefer different opponent for Islam Makhachev
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has admitted his desired title fight against Islam Makhachev is unlikely to happen after being told UFC matchmakers want to take the division’s ruler in a different direction.
The Nigerian-American has been campaigning for a shot at the pound-for-pound king since Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-weight champion at UFC 322.
While the Dagestani titleholder has previously labelled Usman as the "hardest fight" available to him, the promotion appears hesitant to book the contest.
Both fighters are managed by Ali Abdelaziz, theoretically removing many of the logistical obstacles usually associated with high-profile championship bouts.
‘Hunter Campbell feels differently’
Despite the mutual interest between the athletes, Usman revealed that UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell has reservations about the matchup.
Speaking on the uncertainty surrounding the potential clash, Usman said: "Right now, honestly, I really don’t know."
"The Islam fight was obviously what I wanted and what I felt would have been great, not just for me, not just for Islam, but would have been great for the company."
The 36-year-old insists he remains honest about his abilities to compete at the elite level but acknowledged the hierarchy’s resistance.
"For some reason… we’ve had conversations, but Hunter Campbell feels differently and Hunter Campbell’s like, ‘ah, maybe not’," Usman explained.
"He wants to go a different way. We don’t know yet. They haven’t come out and said, ‘okay, Islam is going to get this guy’."
Rebuilding momentum
Usman is currently working to re-establish his dominance in the 170lb division following a turbulent period in his career.
The former champion secured a crucial decision victory over Joaquin Buckley last June to steady the ship.
That result snapped a three-fight losing streak which began when he surrendered his title to Britain’s Leon Edwards at UFC 278.
Despite recent setbacks, the "Nigerian Nightmare" remains one of the welterweight division’s most decorated competitors.
Between 2019 and 2022, he successfully defended the belt five times, recording victories over major contenders including Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.