Usman Uncertain on Makhachev Fight, Offered du Plessis Bout

Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, has voiced uncertainty about securing a title fight against current titleholder Islam Makhachev, revealing that UFC executives have instead proposed a matchup against former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. The 38-year-old Nigerian fighter, who has been pushing for a rematch with Makhachev since the Dagestani wrestler captured the 170-pound belt from Jack Della Maddalena last November, described ongoing negotiations as a "tumultuous journey" during a recent interview.

Usman, who dominated the welterweight division with five successful title defenses between 2019 and 2022, has faced challenges in recent years. He enters discussions on a 1-3 record over his last four bouts, highlighted by a decision victory over Joaquin Buckley last June following losses to Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev. Despite his slide, Usman remains ranked seventh in the division and insists he can still compete at an elite level. "When I say I can still do this at the high level, I mean that," Usman stated. He expressed frustration with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell, who has reportedly hesitated to greenlight the Makhachev bout. "For...