Kamaru Usman believed his next bout would be against Islam Makhachev, but the UFC had a significant say in determining his actual matchup. The promotion's involvement ultimately steered him in a different direction.
Kamaru Usman had mapped out his next move in his mind — a showdown with Islam Makhachev — but the UFC stepped in and redirected his path entirely, according to reports surfacing around July 15, 2026.
Usman, 39, carries a 21-4 record and is currently ranked eighth in the welterweight division. The American fighter out of Kill Cliff FC stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach and has long been one of the most prolific offensive forces at 170 pounds, averaging 4.36 significant strikes per minute with a 52 percent accuracy rate. He also brings persistent wrestling pressure, averaging 2.82 takedown attempts per 15 minutes across his career.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning welterweight champion, also sitting at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the sport. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy and adds relentless grappling pressure, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Usman, ranked eighth at welterweight, was angling for a high-profile fight against the reigning champion and top pound-for-pound fighter
- The UFC's intervention signals the promotion controls the timing of any potential Makhachev title challenger matchup
- A stylistic clash between Usman's high-volume striking and Makhachev's elite grappling would have carried significant divisional weight
- Usman's actual next opponent remains undisclosed, leaving his road back to contention unclear
