{"id":642053,"date":"2025-11-13T07:31:57","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T06:31:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=642053"},"modified":"2025-11-13T07:32:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T06:32:01","slug":"islam-makhachev-opens-up-on-possible-fights-with-kamaru-usman-ilia-topuria-and-other-contenders-after-ufc-322","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/islam-makhachev-opens-up-on-possible-fights-with-kamaru-usman-ilia-topuria-and-other-contenders-after-ufc-322\/","title":{"rendered":"Islam Makhachev Opens Up On Possible Fights With Kamaru Usman, Ilia Topuria And Other Contenders After UFC 322"},"content":{"rendered":"

Champions rarely get to pick their path forward without complications. The UFC matchmaking machine throws curveballs at every turn. Injuries derail planned fights constantly throughout the year. Political maneuvering behind the scenes affects who gets title shots. Friendships between fighters create awkward situations nobody wants to address publicly. And Islam Makhachev has dealt with all these issues during his reign. <\/p>

The Dagestani fighter broke the lightweight title defense record with four consecutive wins. But circumstances forced him to make a major decision about his future. His close friend Belal Muhammad held the welterweight belt for a while. Makhachev refused to fight Muhammad because of their friendship and training relationship. Then Jack Della Maddalena defeated Muhammad and took the title away. This opened the door for Makhachev to finally move up in weight. He relinquished his lightweight championship and now challenges Della Maddalena at UFC 322 this Saturday. In the recent media day. He opened up on possible fights with Kamaru Usman, Ilia Topuria and other contenders waiting after this weekend.<\/p>

Islam Makhachev Wants Kamaru Usman Next<\/h2>

Makhachev addressed his future plans during UFC<\/a> 322 media day recently. Reporters asked about potential opponents if he wins the welterweight title. The champion had clearly thought about this question already. He mentioned Kamaru Usman specifically as the most interesting matchup available.<\/p>

“Why I said [Kamaru] Usman, he’s the biggest name in welterweight. [He] defended the belt. He’s a big name, and he’s in a good position right now. He beat [Joaquin] Buckley, who is one of the contenders also.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

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A post shared by MMA Junkie (@mmajunkie)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>