Usman plots octagon return against UFC 322 winner News

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Usman plots octagon return against UFC 322 winner

By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 12, 2025

Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has set his sights on facing the winner of the upcoming title clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Usman returned to form in June when he ended a three-fight losing streak by defeating Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC on ESPN 69.

The victory has reignited the Nigerian-born fighter’s ambitions, with his attention now firmly on Madison Square Garden, where Della Maddalena will defend his belt for the first time against lightweight champion Makhachev on November 15.

Speaking on his Pound 4 Pound podcast alongside Henry Cejudo, Usman argued that he is the logical choice to test whoever emerges victorious.

He said if Della Maddalena retains his crown, the bout would serve as a chance to prove himself against one of the division’s biggest names. According to Usman, a win for Makhachev would also set up a pound-for-pound showdown worthy of the occasion.

“I’ve done my job to remind everyone that I can still compete at the highest level,” Usman said.

“People wanted to know if I was still that guy, and I showed them I can hang with these contenders. I’m not worried.”

The welterweight division is currently stacked with contenders, including Sean Brady, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, while former champion Belal Muhammad continues to press for another shot after losing his title to Della Maddalena at UFC 315. But Usman, with 16 UFC wins to his name, believes his profile and pedigree make him the standout option.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 12, 2025