Fresh off his historic UFC 322 victory, Islam Makhachev is already eyeing his first welterweight title defence against what Alexander Volkanovski calls his “toughest test”—former champion Kamaru Usman. The potential superfight, targeted for 2026, would pit Makhachev’s dominant grappling against Usman’s legendary wrestling in a stylistic clash that could define both fighters’ legacies.
The Case for Usman: Volkanovski’s Expert Assessment
Alexander Volkanovski, who faced Makhachev in three thrilling championship bouts, has identified Kamaru Usman as the most dangerous threat to the new welterweight king. “Having shared the cage with Islam multiple times, I know exactly what makes him great,” Volkanovski stated. “But Usman presents problems nobody else at welterweight can. His wrestling pedigree, pressure fighting, and championship experience make him Makhachev’s toughest possible matchup.”
Volkanovski’s assessment carries significant weight given his intimate knowledge of Makhachev’s skillset. The former featherweight champion specifically pointed to Usman’s strategic approach and ability to implement game plans against elite competition as factors that could trouble Makhachev in ways that strikers like Jack Della Maddalena could not.
Makhachev’s Unprecedented Championship Journey
Islam Makhachev’s unanimous decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 marked a historic achievement in MMA. By capturing the welterweight title, he became the first fighter in UFC history to successfully move from lightweight championship glory to welterweight gold. The shutout performance (50-45 on all scorecards) demonstrated that Makhachev’s skills translate effectively against larger opponents, silencing critics who questioned whether his style would work in the heavier division.
Makhachev’s dominance at UFC 322 was particularly impressive given Della Maddalena’s nine-fight winning streak and reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous strikers. The systematic dismantling showcased Makhachev’s evolving striking to complement his world-class grappling, making him a nightmare matchup for anyone at 170 pounds.
Why Usman Makes Sense: The Style Clash
A Makhachev-Usman showdown represents one of the most intriguing stylistic matchups in recent memory. Both fighters built their championship reigns on dominant wrestling, though they employ different approaches. Usman relies on relentless pressure and powerful takedowns, while Makhachev utilises technical sambo and chain wrestling.
The key questions that would define this potential fight include: Can Usman’s NCAA Division II wrestling neutralise Makhachev’s sambo? Would Makhachev’s improving striking be enough to handle Usman’s power and volume? And perhaps most intriguingly—what happens when an immovable force meets an unstoppable object in the wrestling department?
The Road to 2026: Timing and Stakes
With the fight targeted for 2026, both fighters have time to prepare for what could be a legacy-defining contest. For Makhachev, a victory over a former champion of Usman’s calibre would solidify his status as an all-time great across multiple weight classes. For Usman, who remains ranked near the top of the division despite his recent losses to Leon Edwards, this represents an opportunity to reclaim championship status and potentially retire on top.
Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has confirmed his fighter’s enthusiasm for the matchup, telling reporters, “Islam wants the biggest challenges, and Kamaru represents exactly that. This is the fight that gets Islam motivated.”
Other Contenders: Why Not Topuria?
While Ilia Topuria’s name has circulated as a potential superfight opponent, Volkanovski quickly dismissed the featherweight champion’s chances against Makhachev. “Ilia is a great fighter, but moving up two weight classes to face Islam? That’s a different level of challenge,” Volkanovski explained.
The welterweight division offers several other compelling matchups, including Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and a potential rematch with Leon Edwards. However, the Usman fight carries the biggest promotional appeal and presents the most intriguing stylistic questions.
Conclusion: A Legacy-Defining Superfight
As Islam Makhachev prepares for his first welterweight title defence, the Kamaru Usman matchup represents the ultimate test of his championship credentials. With Volkanovski’s endorsement adding credibility to the challenge and Makhachev’s team expressing clear interest, all signs point toward this superfight materialising in 2026.
For fight fans, this potential clash represents everything that makes MMA compelling—elite skills, contrasting styles, and legacy implications that will echo through the sport’s history books. As Makhachev continues to build his case for all-time greatness, a victory over Usman might be the final piece needed to cement his status among the sport’s immortals.
Makhachev vs. Usman: Your Questions Answered
Why is Kamaru Usman considered Makhachev’s toughest test?
Usman’s elite wrestling background, championship experience, and pressure-fighting style present unique challenges that could test Makhachev in ways other welterweights cannot.
When is the Makhachev-Usman fight expected to happen?
The matchup is being targeted for 2026, though no official date or venue has been announced.
What did Makhachev accomplish at UFC 322?
He became the first fighter in UFC history to win championships in both lightweight and welterweight divisions, dominating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision.
Is Ilia Topuria in consideration for Makhachev’s next fight?
While discussed by fans, Alexander Volkanovski and other experts believe that Topuria moving up two weight classes would be too great a challenge against Makhachev.
Who else could Makhachev face at welterweight?
Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Leon Edwards all present compelling matchups, though Usman appears to be the primary target.
