Islam Makhachev Should Opt For ‘Next Generation’ Not Kamaru Usman Superfight, Per UFC Legend

Islam Makhachev did the impossible when he snagged the UFC welterweight title in his divisional debut. After UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev, the dominant Dagestani has shaken up the tree, and out came quite a few deserving contenders out of the woodwork. Right now, welterweight is a cesspool of good contenders. However, Makahchev himself is keen on a fight with Kamaru Usman.

Kamaru Usman is a GOAT and former #1 P4P and welterweight king with a neat 5-0 title defense of his gold. In his heyday, he went on quite a winning streak, and some still dub him the best welterweight to do it. But it’s only recently that ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ has resoundingly rebounded from his three-fight losing streak.

Even so, Usman remains a good legacy name to overcome and a top-tier fighter. Some even think he’d be a tough cookie with his surprise, stiff-kneed wrestling and power. Would he be the best option, though? One UFC veteran says Islam Makhachev should veer the other way.

Ben Askren believes the next generation should challenge Islam Makhachev before Kamaru Usman😳‼️

“He (Kamaru Usman) obviously was a champion for a long time, but it’s been a little while and he has had a few losses more recently.”
“I feel like the newer guys at welterweight have… pic.twitter.com/IzSgLsyg7S

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 24, 2025

There’s always the Jack Della Maddalena rematch if that’s where the current takes it; #2 UFC Welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov is still undefeated and a true boogeyman of the division. Just below is Ian Garry, who recently defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC Fight Night 265 – aka UFC Qatar – and called for a title shot.

Usman’s latest victory over Joaquin Buckley ended his three-fight losing streak. Prior to this triumph, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ had not managed any ballot wins since 2021. A title fight was pushed for by his manager and common team rep, Ali Abdelaziz, which caused those details to resurface.

Thus, many are asking the champ Makhachev to face a merit-based contender who has made their mark. And consequently, there’s quite a few. One of these names is Michael Morales, but that seems to be an unlikely option now.

Islam Makhachev’s pool of title contenders down by one with White House fight looming

Islam Makhachev recently reaffirmed his desire to face Kamaru Usman in a legacy fight, in his first defense of the UFC 170-pound title.

Makhachev believes that Shavkat isn’t a likely title contender with his prolonged inactivity. There have been many arguments about who the most deserving UFC 170-pound contender is in the division. While there are certainly bigger names than him, Michael Morales is in a sweet spot for such.

Morales is a big talking point as yet another undefeated name who stopped Sean Brady at the UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev PPV card itself. However, in a recent media outing with El Canal del Futbol, he has said a JDM matchup seems more likely.

🚨🔥 "SERÍA CONTRA JACK DELLA MADDALENA EL 14 DE JUNIO" 🔝🇪🇨

📌 Michael Morales, luchador ecuatoriano en la #UFC, habló sobre su posible próxima pelea en su camino rumbo al campeonato

🎙️ @Danex_JacomeG pic.twitter.com/gBtrv94Yp0

— ®El Canal del Fútbol 🇪🇨⚽ (@ElCanalDFutbol) December 11, 2025

The upcoming “America 250” White House PPV card takes place this next Summer, and Morales has hinted at fighting during the timeframe. With big names still in limbo, the card is not yet formulated, and a PPV main card fight with the top Aussie scrapper might still be possible. Not for nothing, if true, this does narrow down the list for Islam Makhachev and brass to choose from.

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