Kamaru Usman targets high contenders for return bout

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has damaged his silence on his potential return to the octagon, naming three high contenders he’d wish to face in his comeback battle. In a current assertion that has set the MMA world abuzz, Usman declared, “If I needed to choose so as I’d say Brady, Shavkat and Buckley. That what is smart.”

This declaration from the previous pound-for-pound king has ignited hypothesis about the way forward for the welterweight division and Kamara Usman’s place in it. Let’s break down every of those potential matchups and what they might imply for the panorama of the 170-pound weight class.

Sean Brady, The New Quantity One

Usman’s major goal, Sean Brady, has simply catapulted himself to the highest of the welterweight rankings with a dominant efficiency in opposition to former champion Leon Edwards at UFC London. Brady’s fourth-round submission victory over Edwards was a statement-making efficiency that has positioned him because the division’s primary contender.

A matchup between Kamaru Usman and Brady would pit the previous champion in opposition to the division’s hottest prospect. Brady’s grappling-heavy fashion may current fascinating challenges for Usman, who has lengthy been thought-about top-of-the-line wrestlers within the sport. This battle wouldn’t solely function a stern check for Brady but additionally as an opportunity for Usman to show he nonetheless belongs on the high of the division.

Shavkat Rakhmonov, The Undefeated Phenom

Second on Usman’s record is Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated Kazakh fighter who has been tearing by means of the welterweight ranks. Rakhmonov’s most up-to-date victory, a hard-fought determination win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, solidified his place as a high contender.

A battle between Usman and Rakhmonov can be a conflict of generations. Usman, together with his wrestling pedigree and improved hanging, in opposition to Rakhmonov’s well-rounded skillset and ideal 19-0 file. This matchup may probably decide who will get the subsequent shot on the title, particularly if present champion Belal Muhammad retains his belt in opposition to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.

Joaquin Buckley, The Darkish Horse

The inclusion of Joaquin Buckley on Usman’s record would possibly shock some followers, however “New Mansa” has been on a tear since transferring as much as welterweight. Buckley is using a six-fight win streak, together with spectacular victories over Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and most just lately, a TKO win over Colby Covington.

Usman’s need to face these high contenders reveals that he is not in search of a straightforward path again to title rivalry. Every of those matchups presents distinctive challenges and alternatives for the previous champion to show he nonetheless has what it takes to compete on the highest stage.

Nevertheless, the welterweight panorama has shifted considerably since Usman’s final battle. With Belal Muhammad now holding the title and a crop of hungry contenders vying for his or her shot, Usman’s highway again to the belt is way from clear.

What’s Subsequent for the Division?

Because the MMA world digests Kamaru Usman’s assertion, all eyes can be on the UFC matchmakers to see which of those potential fights materializes. The end result of the upcoming title battle between Muhammad and Della Maddalena at UFC 315 will doubtless play a big position in figuring out the division’s subsequent strikes.

If Muhammad retains his title, a rematch with Brady may very well be on the horizon, given their historical past and Brady’s current ascension to the primary contender spot. This state of affairs may depart the door open for a high-stakes bout between Usman and both Rakhmonov or Buckley.

Alternatively, if Della Maddalena pulls off the upset, it may reshuffle all the division, probably fast-tracking Usman’s return to title rivalry if he can safe a win over one in every of his named opponents.

Whether or not Kamaru Usman faces Brady, Rakhmonov, or Buckley, his return battle will undoubtedly be one of the crucial anticipated bouts of the yr. The previous champion’s quest to reclaim his throne is ready to start, and the welterweight division is on discover.

Because the state of affairs develops, MMA fanatics worldwide can be eagerly watching to see how this high-stakes recreation of welterweight chess unfolds. One factor is for certain: with skills like Usman, Brady, Rakhmonov, and Buckley within the combine, the 170-pound weight class stays one of the crucial thrilling divisions within the sport.