"He’s the real deal" - Ali Abdelaziz names Kamaru Usman as Islam Makhachev's next challenge

While the welterweight death row, including Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Kamaru Usman, prowls Islam Makhachev's belt. The Dagestani's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, wants 'The Nigerian Nightmare' to be the next in line.

During a backstage interview after UFC 322, when the Dominance MMA CEO was quizzed on who he thinks the next challenge for Makhachev should be, Abdelaziz said:

"He said it. He said he wanted to fight Kamaru Usman. Kamaru Usman [had a] 15-fight winning streak, five title defences, [the] greatest welterweight of all time, beat all these young guys, what does that do for his legacy? It does nothing. Kamaru Usman is a very tough opponent, and I represent him too, and he’s not an easy night for anybody. He’s the real deal, and [Islam] wants to fight the real deal."

Check out Ali Abdelaziz campaigning for Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman below:

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However, while Makhachev did mention Usman as a potential first title defense in the lead-up to UFC 322, the 170-pound landscape looks remarkably different following the pay-per-view.

Michael Morales and Carlos Prates have risen as serious title prospects after their explosive knockout wins over Sean Brady and Leon Edwards, respectively.

Furthermore, Ilia Topuria also seems to be contemplating a future clash with Makhachev. Even former No.1 contender Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is eying a 2026 return, has called out the newly crowned champion.

With the win at UFC 322, Makhachev has joined the elite club of fighters who have won championship titles in two weight divisions. The 34-year-old has also tied Anderson Silva's record 16-fight win streak.

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Islam Makhachev also wants Kamaru Usman next

While Michael Morales and Carlos Prates impressed the MMA world with their performances at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev still wants to face Kamaru Usman in his first title defense.

As the newly minted welterweight champion sees it, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' is a better fighter than both Morales and Prates. During an interview with Paul Felder, Makhachev said:

"Today, these two fighters did really well, Morales and Prates, but I still think Kamaru can beat them both. Kamaru is the biggest name. They are young fighters who are hungry, but Kamaru is still dangerous and one of the best in this game. If you give me the choice... I'll take Kamaru. But, it's not my job, anyone [they give me] I'll be ready."

Edited by Ujwal Jain