Islam MakhachevvsKamaru Usman

This is the superfight everyone's been talking about since Islam Makhachev moved up to welterweight and snatched that title from Jack Della Maddalena back in November. Makhachev called out Usman specifically, saying he's "still dangerous," and Kamaru fired right back saying he wants the "biggest, baddest" fight out there. Here's the thing: this would be for the welterweight strap, and it's the ultimate test for both guys. The stylistic matchup is absolutely wild. You've got Islam's suffocating Dagestani grappling and slick submissions. Remember that nasty D'Arce choke that finished Dustin Poirier in round five, or when he caught Moicano in the first round? Now he's facing Usman's legendary wrestling base and that relentless pressure game.

Kamaru just beat Joaquin Buckley in a five round war back in June, controlling over 12 minutes and showing he's still got that championship cardio. But he's also coming off those two tough losses to Leon Edwards, including that brutal head kick knockout. What makes this so intriguing is the wrestling chess match. Islam said he was only operating at 60 to 70 percent at lightweight and feels way better at 170. Usman's got that switch stance and years of welterweight experience, but can his wrestling hold up against someone from Khabib's camp? Islam just tied Anderson Silva's 16 fight win streak and became the 11th UFC fighter to win titles in two divisions. He's back at number one pound for pound.

If this fight happens, it's legacy defining stuff. Islam's trying to cement himself as a two division champ, while Usman's hunting that title he lost and a chance to prove he's still The Nigerian Nightmare. The only wrinkle? Ian Machado Garry is out here calling Usman a "has been who has no knees" and campaigning hard for his own shot at Makhachev. Usman's been making his case publicly, outlining why he deserves the next crack at the welterweight title and dismissing Garry's claims. Makhachev made history at UFC 322, becoming only the 11th fighter to capture titles in two divisions and tying Anderson Silva's record with 16 consecutive octagon wins. Dana White is already talking about who's next in line for that welterweight strap, and Usman was cageside watching Islam win that belt.