Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight champion, has shared his vision for concluding his illustrious career in the UFC. In an interview with TMZ Sports, he revealed his intention to retire as a two-division champion, starting with the upcoming UFC 322 main event featuring current champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, who is moving up to challenge for the welterweight title after relinquishing his lightweight belt.
As the UFC prepares for its return to Madison Square Garden in New York City on September 23, 2023, Usman expressed his thoughts on the highly anticipated title fight. “I think [the fight is] a toss-up, but I do think Islam has the grappling edge when it goes down to the ground,” Usman noted. “I think he’s just done it longer. We’ll see what happens. But of course, I’m looking to get in there and potentially test myself against the winner.”
Usman last fought in June, securing a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley. While he does not have a specific timeline for his return to the Octagon, he emphasized his desire to reclaim the welterweight title. “The storybook would be to go and grab this title, then go and grab the other title,” he explained.
The other title Usman aims for is the Middleweight championship, currently held by Khamzat Chimaev, who has previously handed Usman one of his four career losses. Usman described a potential matchup against Chimaev as “an intriguing fight” that fans would want to see, particularly with a full training camp behind him.
As he reflects on his career, Usman acknowledges that becoming a two-division champion is the only title missing from his impressive resume. “Go out and get that. And at that point, then you look back and go, ‘Oh, what else is there to do?'”
With his sights set on history, Usman remains focused on solidifying his legacy in the UFC, aiming to capture both the welterweight and middleweight titles before he hangs up his gloves for good. Whether in the Octagon or at home, Usman is determined to carve out a storybook ending to a career that has already solidified his status as one of the sport’s greats.
