Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has set his sights on the next big challenge. The Nigerian-American star wants to face the winner of the UFC 322 main event.
On Saturday night, Jack Della Maddalena will defend his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev. The fight promises fireworks, but Usman is already thinking one step ahead. After his victory over Joaquin Buckley, the former champ showed he still belongs among the elite at 170 pounds.
In a recent interview, Usman made it clear that his ambition remains strong. He believes he deserves another shot at gold soon.
Usman sends clear message to the division
Usman addressed his critics with confidence. “A lot of people had questions: ‘Can he still fight? Is he still that guy?’ I hope I answered that against Buckley,” he said in an interview with MMA Junkie.
The 37-year-old plans to watch UFC 322 closely. “I have my eye on this weekend,” he said. “We’ll see who comes out on top — Della Maddalena or Makhachev. It’s a big fight for both guys. I’m looking at the winner like, ‘All right, let’s run it.’”
Usman’s tone reflected hunger and purpose. He sounded like a fighter who refuses to fade quietly.
Chasing legacy, not just another payday
The former champion knows his time in the sport is limited. “I want the biggest, most challenging fights out there,” he continued. “I understand I don’t have another 20 fights left. Anything could happen. If the next one is that fight, that’s what I want.”
Usman’s determination underscores his desire to cement his legacy. With the fire still burning, a title clash against the UFC 322 winner could be the perfect stage for his resurgence.
The welterweight division, it seems, may soon feel the presence of “The Nigerian Nightmare” once again.
