Kamaru Usman has revealed he spent time trying to secure a fight against Islam Makhachev, but believes negotiations surrounding a potential Topuria vs. Makhachev matchup slowed those efforts. With that path blocked, Usman accepted a fight against Dricus du Plessis, viewing it as a route back toward a title.
Kamaru Usman has disclosed that he actively pursued a fight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev before ultimately agreeing to face Dricus du Plessis, with negotiations around a potential Makhachev-Topuria superfight appearing to have stood in his way.
Usman, a former welterweight champion, indicated that efforts to land the Makhachev bout stalled as the promotion appeared focused on pairing the Russian champion with Ilia Topuria. With that route closed off, Usman accepted a middleweight contest against du Plessis, framing the fight as a path back to title contention.
Makhachev, 34, sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings and carries a 28-1 record as the reigning lightweight champion. Fighting out of Russia under the Eagles MMA banner, the southpaw averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes and lands 58 percent of his significant strikes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport. Topuria, ranked number one pound-for-pound at just 29 years old, holds a 17-1 record and competes at lightweight. The Spaniard is known for his finishing ability, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute with a 48 percent accuracy rate.
Du Plessis, meanwhile, presents a formidable obstacle for Usman. The South African is ranked second in the middleweight division and seventh pound-for-pound, carrying a 23-3 record at 32 years of age. Fighting out of a switch stance, "Stillknocks" lands 5.18 significant strikes per minute and adds 2.22 takedowns per fifteen minutes to his game, giving him a well-rounded threat profile.
Why it matters
- Usman's willingness to move toward middleweight signals his determination to remain relevant at the highest level
- A win over a top-two middleweight like du Plessis would immediately thrust Usman back into title conversations
- The Makhachev-Topuria matchup, if it materialises, could define the lightweight division for the near future, with Usman caught in the crossfire of that scheduling dynamic
