The UFC welterweight division is buzzing with speculation as Islam Makhachev’s list of potential opponents narrows, and the stakes have never been higher. With Makhachev’s dominance in the lightweight division now a memory, his move up to welterweight has opened the door to a series of thrilling matchups that have fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets controversial: while fans have overwhelmingly voted for Ilia Topuria to challenge Makhachev next, the reality is far more complex—and this is the part most people miss. Makhachev himself has made it crystal clear: he wants Kamaru Usman in his first title defense, a choice that has sparked heated debates across the MMA community.
But why Usman? Makhachev’s manager revealed that when the UFC approached them about a January fight, Usman and Ian Machado Garry were the names on the table. However, Khabib Nurmagomedov, a key figure in Makhachev’s camp, reportedly shut down the idea, citing concerns about overloading their team with multiple high-profile fights on the same night. Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov seems to be out of the running due to his prolonged inactivity, leaving the door open for other contenders.
Enter Michael Morales, the undefeated star whose recent first-round stoppage of Sean Brady has positioned him as a top contender in the eyes of many. Morales, however, might not be next in line for Makhachev. In a recent interview, Morales hinted that he’s likely to face Jack Della Maddalena in June, a matchup that could solidify his status as a title challenger. But Morales isn’t the only one eyeing Maddalena—Carlos Prates has also expressed interest in facing the former champion, adding another layer of intrigue to the division.
And this is where it gets even more interesting: If Morales doesn’t get the next title shot, who should he face? Should it be Prates, setting up a potential title eliminator? Or should he take on another top-ranked contender like Belal Muhammad or Sean Brady? The debate is wide open, and opinions are sharply divided. Makhachev’s preference for Usman has left many questioning whether he’s avoiding tougher matchups or simply seeking a high-profile name to cement his legacy.
The welterweight rankings are packed with talent, from Jack Della Maddalena at #1 to Joaquin Buckley at #10, each bringing their own unique style and threat level. But who poses the biggest challenge to Makhachev? Is it the striking prowess of Maddalena, the all-around game of Garry, or the experience of Usman? Or could an underdog like Morales or Prates rise to the occasion and shock the world?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Makhachev’s focus on Usman a strategic move to secure a legacy-defining win, or is he overlooking more deserving contenders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. The welterweight division is more competitive than ever, and every fight from here on out could reshape the title picture. Join the debate, share your insights, and stay tuned as this story continues to unfold. Will Makhachev get his wish, or will the UFC have other plans? Only time will tell.
