Kamaru Usman has some names in mind for his return to action.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion has taken his time, resting and recovering throughout 2024. When he eventually gets back in the Octagon, he’ll look to snap a three-fight losing skid that began when he last held the title in his rematch against Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022.
Usman, 37, appears to be getting closer to his comeback. When he does so, he believes fights with any of Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, Jack Della Maddalena, or Belal Muhammad are the right moves.
“There’s a huge chance it comes down to one of these guys,” Usman said on Pound 4 Pound. “These are the streaky guys right now. As I like to think of it, these are the new hot chicks in the division right now, and of course, we love hot chicks. These are the hot prospects in the division right now.
“Staying at Welterweight, I would have to choose out of one of these guys,” he continued. “It is what it is. I have no problem with either one. I think they’re all great fighters. Tough, young, strong fighters, making their way up. It’s up to me to go show them they’re not on my level yet, but I’ve been doing this. That I have been, always will be the boogeyman of that Welterweight division.”
Luckily for Usman, the first three names he has in mind are all without current match ups booked. However, Muhammad will be the next contender to challenge the champion, Edwards, when they rematch in UFC 304’s main event next weekend (Sat., July 27, 2024). Due to Usman’s recent consecutive losses to Edwards at Welterweight, he’ll likely need at least one win before being in title consideration.