Former Double Champion Pushes for Kamaru Usman vs Islam Makhachev After Potential Welterweight Win

UFC legend and analyst Daniel Cormier believes fans could soon witness an explosive showdown between Kamaru Usman and Islam Makhachev if Islam succeeds in his upcoming welterweight debut against Jack Della Maddalena.

Cormier, speaking on his ESPN segment, emphasized that if Makhachev captures a win, it sets the stage for one of the most compelling narratives in modern UFC: teammates becoming rivals.

“The world likes mess,” Cormier said. “They would love to see what a bout between those two would be.”

The Dagestani lightweight champ has long been aligned with Usman and the extended Nurmagomedov camp.

A clash between the two would mark a major shake-up in team loyalty and rankings alike.

Wow: 👉 Islam Makhachev Would’ve Beaten Ilia Topuria at UFC 317

The Welterweight Division Is Crowded With Killers

With Makhachev potentially moving up permanently, the UFC’s 170-pound division could be set for massive changes.

Cormier listed several names he sees as front-runners for title contention:

  • Kamaru Usman
  • Shavkat Rakhmonov
  • Belal Muhammad
  • Ian Garry

Cormier even suggested Sean Brady vs Ian Garry as the next fight to book two undefeated rising stars in the division.

Meanwhile, Joaquin Buckley continues his rise and could land a “decent fight” soon, per Cormier.

But the biggest opportunities may belong to the men circling the title.

Belal Muhammad Ready for a Big Fight

Interestingly, Cormier revealed that Belal Muhammad now wants to fight Usman, flipping the script from when Usman was the one seeking that matchup months ago.

“If Islam doesn’t fight for the belt, the next best fight is Belal vs Usman,” Cormier said.

“You beat Belal, after beating JDM, you’re guaranteed a title shot.”

Will Islam Stay Active If He Wins?

One major factor Cormier highlighted is Islam Makhachev’s activity.

Islam Vs Kamaru Usman Prediction By Daniel Cormier

With Ramadan falling from February 26 to March 26 in 2026, Cormier speculates that even if Islam fights in October or November, he may not return again until May or June 2026.

This long gap could leave the welterweight belt in limbo and that’s why UFC may push for a second fight before then.

Catch up on Makhachev’s recent plans here:

Islam Makhachev vs JDM official – UFC 307 co-main gets title implications

Final Thoughts: Makhachev vs Usman Is Realistic

If Makhachev beats Della Maddalena and the UFC wants fireworks at welterweight, the Usman matchup could be a no-brainer.

As Cormier noted, “That’s the fight people will want. It checks every box.”

Further Reading:

Featured Posts