UPDATE: Kamaru Usman has revealed an ambitious plan to conclude his iconic UFC career as a two-division champion, detailing his vision in an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports ahead of this weekend’s pivotal UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Usman, the former welterweight champion, is keenly focused on the main event between current champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. Makhachev, who recently vacated his lightweight title to challenge for the welterweight belt, is viewed by Usman as a formidable opponent. “I think [the fight is] a toss-up, but I do think Islam has the grappling edge when it goes down to the ground,” Usman stated. His insights underscore the high stakes this weekend, as the fight could set the stage for his next move.
While Usman has no specific timeline for his return to the Octagon—his last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in June—he is determined to secure a bout against the welterweight champion. “The storybook would be to go and grab this title, then go and grab the other title,” Usman emphasized, hinting at a dual title pursuit.
The second title Usman aims to capture is the Middleweight strap, currently held by Khamzat Chimaev. This matchup is particularly intriguing for Usman, who suffered one of his four career losses to Chimaev in a closely contested fight taken on short notice. “I think that’s an intriguing fight,” Usman remarked. “That’s a compelling fight that everybody would want to see on a full training camp to go out and challenge him.”
Usman’s ambition to become a two-division champion reflects his legacy aspirations. “The only thing that is not on the resume is the two-division champion. Go out and get that,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of this achievement in his storied career.
Fans are eager to see how UFC 322 unfolds and whether Usman’s dreams of championship glory will materialize. As the Octagon prepares for an electrifying night of fights, all eyes will be on the outcomes that could shape Usman’s future.
Expect more updates as details develop from UFC 322 and Usman’s potential path to becoming a two-division champion. This is a story that promises to captivate MMA enthusiasts around the globe.
