In the UFC, Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev have cemented themselves as two of the modern greats. Presently, ‘Borz’ reigns as the middleweight champion after defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, while the Dagestani former champ is set to face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, aiming to become the new king of the welterweights. If Makhachev pulls that off, both he and Chimaev will have a lineup of incredible challenges waiting in their respective divisions. However, a former champion might shake things up, as he now sets his sights on both of their titles.  

And that legend is Kamaru Usman, the former 170 lbs king. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ made a stellar comeback against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. Following that solid victory, Usman wasted no time calling out the winner of Della Maddalena vs Makhachev, confident that he’s ready to reclaim his lost glory. But at 38 years old, many fans have begun speculating that retirement might be looming. Yet, the former welterweight champ made it clear that his ambition is to capture two belts before making that ultimate decision.  

Kamaru Usman eyes Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev showdown   

On the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Henry Cejudo discussed how Usman had previously mentioned his desire to fight for two belts before retiring. Referring to the ongoing speculation about Usman’s future, Cejudo said, “This is the fight to win the welterweight belt, then move up a weight division to become a double champ. How much is that, and then maybe ride off into the sunset, according to whoever the hell, until it’s true. You tell me, Kush (Kamaru Usman).” 

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ replied, “I don’t know about the sail off to the sunset kind of s—, but absolutely I want that title back,” quickly dismissing the idea of an imminent retirement. Then, Usman actually agreed with the idea that he’s indeed moving with the plan that he wants to capture two belts before actually saying goodbye to the sport. 

He added on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, “And that’s what I’m going for. Yeah, I mean that’s the plan, right? I wanna go out there, with, if they say how they say, go out with a bang. They kick you out, I’m not gonna leave without something, so that’s what they mean by that…. I’m going to be patiently and gracefully waiting, for the winner of that fight so we can dance.” 

Well, it’s not the first time Kamaru Usman has definitely mentioned his dream of achieving double champ status. In fact, before this, he also shared the same desire during a UFC 321 Q&A session, saying, “I’m sure the real fans out there can agree that what would be spectacular… is to go out there and win the welterweight title, leave it, then move up to middleweight and take that title as well.” It’s definitely an ambitious goal. But the real question is: Can he actually pull it off at this stage of his career? 

Usman just snapped his three-fight losing streak against Buckley at UFC Atlanta. With that in mind,  it’s highly unlikely he’ll get a title shot against Islam Makhachev or JDM without first going through other contenders, let alone move up to face Khamzat Chimaev for middleweight gold. However, the former champ seems to understand that, which is why he appears ready to take on a few top contenders before chasing that double champ dream. 

Kamaru Usman is ready to face the prime welterweight contenders    

Currently, the welterweight division is stacked with contenders waiting for their shot at the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena. Leading the race, the number-one contender Sean Brady is riding high after an impressive win over Leon Edwards at UFC London earlier this year, and he’s now set to face Michael Morales at UFC 322.

Interestingly enough, Brady has challenged Usman’s claim to the title. “He’s saying, he’s fighting for the belt next. I’m like, ‘You had a good win against Buckley, don’t get me wrong, but now what, you’re gonna sit out and wait for a title shot? I don’t think it should work like that. Like you said, winning solves everything. He has won one fight. If I go out and win more fights than him. I’ll get it next.”   Brady said on the Weighing In Podcast.

Then there’s Ian Garry, who’s gearing up to take on Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar in November. And of course, there are plenty of others in the mix as well, such as the sidelined Shavkat Rakhmonov.

So, while Kamaru Usman keeps his ambitions high, he isn’t shying away from facing one of those top contenders to strengthen his case for another title shot. In fact, he believes those contenders need to go through him to truly earn a championship opportunity. 

Continuing on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, the former champ added, “I feel like these guys are just there, jockeying, but they aren’t quite there yet. And what we’re dealing with now is an entertainment company that’s focused on building and creating value for a card or a fight in any region. If we’re talking business, I think I’m probably the guy to pick.” 

Now, with the welterweight title picture expected to open up after UFC 322, the big question is: Will Kamaru Usman get a direct title shot against either Islam Makhachev or Jack Della Maddalena? Or will he need to prove himself against another top contender first? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.