Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has come forward to support current titleholder Islam Makhachev following his decision to skip UFC 336. Makhachev was originally approached to defend his belt against rising contender Carlos Prates, but declining the offer prompted the UFC to book an interim title match between Prates and Michael Morales.
Usman Explains the Logic Behind Makhachev’s Stance
Although Makhachev drew significant criticism from fans and analysts for passing on the matchup, Usman believes the champion made a sensible move. Both fighters are managed by Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA. During an appearance on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, Usman argued that prospective challengers still need additional star power before headlining a major pay-per-view event against a primary champion.
“If you’re gonna replace a staple like Kamaru Usman, you’ve gotta be able to put in someone like Islam. If you’re gonna take out someone like an Islam Makhachev, who’s that next guy right now looking in that welterweight division that you can put there and say, ‘I can do a numbered event that people are really gonna pack the arena for?’ I think these guys are well on the way, but I feel like they just need maybe one more. One more against a top guy that still has big clout. I think this is a phenomenal matchup. Either guy wins this here, they are A-tier to potentially succeed if Islam Makhachev loses the belt or gives up the belt,” Usman said.
Reactions and Impact on the Welterweight Division
Despite Usman’s endorsement, many fight fans remain skeptical, viewing Makhachev’s refusal as an attempt to avoid a high-risk contender. The decision drastically alters the landscape of the 170-pound division. By putting Prates and Morales against each other for the interim belt, the organization guarantees that only one will move forward to fight for the undisputed crown, while the defeated fighter will be temporarily knocked out of contention.
Ultimately, the upcoming interim clash will determine the clear primary contender, leaving Makhachev with a definitive opponent once the division’s top spot is settled.
