Kamaru Usman is back, and he’s setting his sights high. In a post-fight interview, he made it clear: he wants the winner of the highly anticipated showdown between Jack Della Maddalena (JDM) and Islam Makhachev. With a blend of plan and confidence, Kamaru is not just a comeback but a final chapter in his career.
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Usman’s Motivation:
For Usman, this isn’t just about a fight, but it’s about legacy. But there’s more at play. A battle against JDM or Makhachev shows a chance to silence challengers, set him among the all-time greats, and he is still at the top. After losses to Leon Edwards and a loss to Khamzat Chimaev, Kamaru now has the chance to write his name against either a rising phenom or a relatively king.
Tale of the Tape: Usman vs. JDM or Makhachev
If he fights with JDM, fans can expect a masterclass. Usman, known for his punch, high pressure, and improved skills, may face one of the cleanest boxers in the division. Della Maddalena’s clarity and power make him a dangerous dance partner, especially in the pocket. Against Makhachev, it may be a completely different chess match, a best wrestler versus an expert who many consider the next to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s throne. Makhachev’s surrounding top control and threats may challenge Kamaru’s world-class takedown physical strength.
Road to the Fight: Stakes for JDM vs. Makhachev
The JDM vs. Makhachev matchup isn’t just another high-profile fight; it can rethink two divisions. For Makhachev, the lightweight champ, a successful move to welterweight and a win over a challenger like JDM may put him in the best possible two-division champion. For Della Maddalena, it’s the test to see if he can handle not just the best strikers, but also grapplers, on his way to gold. The winner comes not just with a state, but as a likely title challenger or champion, depending on the UFC’s matchmaking direction.
Strategic Matchups: Usman’s Paths to Victory
Kamaru Usman vs. JDM
Striking Battle: Kamaru’s pressure and power punch versus JDM’s slick boxing and head movement.
Cardio Edge: Kamaru’s deep five-round experience can test JDM’s gas tank in later rounds.
Grappling Advantage: Kamaru may choose to mix in takedowns to disturb JDM’s rhythm.
Kamaru Usman vs. Makhachev
Wrestling Showdown: Classic clash between the best sambo and Division II wrestling.
Strength vs. Technique: Kamaru’s physicality can neutralise Makhachev’s control game.
Striking Improvements: Both have changed on the feet, making the stand-up exchanges more interesting than expected.
Fan Excitement and Division Impact
This potential matchup has fans across forums, podcasts, and social media.Kamaru remains one of the most respected names in the sport, and seeing him challenge either an undefeated rising star like JDM or a rule champion in Makhachev makes for the kind of high-stakes drama that defines. For the UFC, it’s a dream narrative: former king vs. the new guard. No matter who wins between JDM and Makhachev, Usman stepping into the picture shakes up the welterweight hierarchy and injects life into the division.
Prediction and View
If it’s Kamaru Usman vs. JDM, expect a strong war, with Kamaru possibly deciding by mixing wrestling and pressure to cancel JDM’s boxing. Against Makhachev, the chances are less. Kamaru may be facing the top grappler in the game today. It may come down to who can force their style first. It may come down to who can impose their style first: can Makhachev get the takedown, or will Kamaru stuff it and keep it standing?
Either way, the UFC is making toward a welterweight change. Even if it’s an all-out striking clinic or a cerebral grappling duel, Usman’s next fight is making up to be one of the most difficult matches of the year.
Aditya Khare