Kamaru Usman targets two titles before retirement
· Yahoo Sports
Usman appears to have a clear direction in mind for the year ahead.
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Islam Makhachev’s team are still pushing for Kamaru Usman to be his first welterweight title challenger.
While Usman’s record speaks for itself, there are plenty of voices suggesting others may be more deserving of the shot.
Some fans are starting to think Ian Machado Garry could be next in line for Makhachev, especially after a recent social media post that appeared to reference some of his earlier remarks.
This situation could have a huge impact on what Usman wants to achieve in 2026, as his goals go well beyond just getting the welterweight belt back.
Usman eyes two belts before calling time on his career
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLCThis year, Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman came face to face, raising the possibility of a welterweight title clash between two modern icons of the sport.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ ended a three-fight losing streak last year, but even so, reclaiming the 170-pound crown at this stage of his career would be quite a shock.
Speaking to UFC on Eurosport, Usman was asked how he hopes to reflect on 2026 in the years ahead. He said that if all goes according to plan, it might be his final year in the sport.
“2026, we want to say ‘Wow I can’t believe you actually pulled that off and went and not only took one title but you took two and walked away’.”
The 38-year-old also stated that his immediate focus is regaining the welterweight belt. He doesn’t see himself moving up to challenge for the middleweight title until that’s accomplished.
Usman believes he could make a strong case for a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev if he defeats Makhachev and then moves up to challenge for the middleweight belt.
“I think if I get that title,” he said, “I think a lot of people wanted to see that rematch with Khamzat on a full camp.”
Kamaru Usman has already pointed out one thing that could prevent this dream scenario
Landing a welterweight title shot and beating Islam Makhachev would already make Kamaru Usman’s 2026 a remarkable year for the former champion.
And the idea of him becoming a two-division champion isn’t far-fetched either, especially since some people felt he did enough to beat current middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev back in 2023.
But even if Usman does win back his welterweight title, there’s no guarantee he’ll get an immediate move up to 185 pounds. That depends on whether Chimaev is still around by then.
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