After his impressive win over Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta, Kamaru Usman is focused solely on reclaiming the welterweight title and is uninterested in pursuing other matchups, such as his ongoing rivalry with a fellow former champion.
Returning to the octagon after nearly two years, Usman delivered a dominant performance that silenced skeptics, proving he remains a top contender in the welterweight division. He highlighted that his victory was achieved primarily through wrestling, effectively controlling Buckley for most of their 25-minute bout, without needing to showcase his full skillset.
Referring to his previous loss, Usman commented, “It`s as if people forgot my wrestling ability after that fight. They became dismissive, bordering on disrespectful. I just needed to demonstrate that skill to remind everyone to respect every dimension of my fighting.”
He added, “It`s been a long time, not just getting back into the cage, but securing a win again. I overcame numerous challenges to reach this point, working on physical recovery and addressing personal struggles – you could say I had to fight many internal battles. I`m grateful for my excellent team, support system, and family, which allowed me to return.”
Following his win, Usman received congratulations from fellow fighters. Notably, Belal Muhammad reacted to the outcome, renewing interest in their significant rivalry that has developed over the last year.
Muhammad tweeted after Usman`s victory, stating, “Congrats, see you soon.”
When questioned at the UFC Atlanta post-fight press conference about a potential bout with Muhammad, should the UFC propose it, Usman`s response was dismissive.
Usman reacted by asking, “Who is that? Who? Next [for the title].”
This dismissive reply prompted a sharp response from Muhammad, who referenced a contentious podcast recording between them that reportedly led to a physical confrontation, an episode that has never been released.
Muhammad retorted, “The person who made you cry on your podcast,” referring to Usman`s “who” comment.
Despite this exchange drawing attention, Usman maintained his clear objective: to secure a chance to regain the welterweight championship he previously held for more than three years.
Currently, the undisputed welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, is preparing for an upcoming fight against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev later this year, though the specific date is yet to be announced.
Usman asserted that he is the most fitting contender to face the victor of that bout and that this is his sole focus for his next fight.
He stated, “Frankly, I`m the biggest draw in the division. This sport is about entertainment, and the UFC is an entertainment company. They want the biggest possible fights. That will be the winner between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev.”
“If Islam wins,” he continued, “you`ll have a clash between a former pound-for-pound king and a current one – who wouldn`t pay to see that?”
Usman expressed respect for Makhachev and his potential in the welterweight division but was also cautious, suggesting that moving up in weight doesn`t guarantee championship success.
Regarding Della Maddalena, Usman cautioned, “JDM is a formidable opponent; we shouldn`t overlook him. As I mentioned before his last fight, he proved that he`s highly skilled and shouldn`t be underestimated.”
He added, “Islam is incredibly talented, and I have respect for him. His entry certainly makes the division more exciting. If he manages to defeat JDM for the belt through his wrestling, pitting a former against a current pound-for-pound fighter, I believe that`s a fight everyone will want to see.”
While acknowledging the intrigue of Makhachev challenging Della Maddalena for the title, Usman refrained from offering a prediction for the fight.
Instead, Usman intends to wait for the outcome of that championship clash, anticipating that he will be the next contender for the title.
Usman concluded, “I will be watching that fight. I will face the winner.”
