The UFC welterweight division is in turmoil, and the debate over who should challenge Islam Makhachev next has ignited a fiery controversy. Should Kamaru Usman, ranked eighth, leapfrog the contenders above him for a title shot? This question has divided fans, fighters, and industry insiders alike. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is pulling out all the stops to make this happen, drawing parallels to some of the most iconic matchups in UFC history.
Following UFC 322 in November, the spotlight shifted to Makhachev after he dethroned Jack Della Maddalena to become the eleventh two-division champion in UFC history. The Dagestani fighter, already dominant at lightweight, immediately claimed the 170-pound title, leaving the promotion with a wealth of options for his first welterweight defense. Makhachev himself has expressed a clear preference: he wants to face Usman, viewing it as a legacy-defining fight. But here’s where it gets controversial: while rising star Ian Machado Garry and many fans argue that Usman hasn’t earned the shot, Abdelaziz is doubling down on his campaign, using historical precedents to justify his case.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz pointed to Usman’s remarkable 15-fight winning streak and his willingness to take on all challengers, including a short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev, which he called Chimaev’s toughest UFC test. “Kamaru has done a lot for this company,” Abdelaziz asserted, comparing Usman’s resume to fighters like Diego Lopes, who earned title shots through similar grit. He even invoked matchups like Stipe Miocic vs. Jon Jones and Yoel Romero vs. Israel Adesanya, where fighters coming off losses were granted title opportunities. “None of these guys did what Kamaru did,” he boldly claimed. But is this a fair comparison, or is Abdelaziz stretching the narrative to favor his client?
And this is the part most people miss: Abdelaziz also manages Makhachev, creating a clear conflict of interest. While he’s advocating for Usman, he’s simultaneously downplaying contenders like Garry, asking, “What has Ian Garry done the last 10 years?” This raises questions about whether the fight is being pushed for legacy-building or strategic convenience. Meanwhile, whispers suggest that Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, reportedly blocked a quick turnaround for the champion, further complicating the timeline.
As the debate rages on, the welterweight rankings tell a story of their own:
- #1 – Jack Della Maddalena
- #2 – Ian Machado Garry
- #3 – Shavkat Rakhmonov
- #4 – Michael Morales
- #5 – Belal Muhammad
- #6 – Carlos Prates
- #7 – Sean Brady
- #8 – Kamaru Usman
- #9 – Leon Edwards
- #10 – Joaquin Buckley
Who truly deserves the next shot at Makhachev’s title? Is Usman’s legacy enough to justify skipping the line, or should the UFC prioritize the contenders ranked above him? And what does this say about the promotion’s criteria for title shots? Let’s spark a discussion—share your thoughts in the comments below. Are you Team Usman or Team Garry? Or do you think someone else should step up? The welterweight division’s future hangs in the balance, and your voice could shape the narrative.
