Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has broken his silence on his potential return to the octagon, naming three top contenders he’d prefer to face in his comeback fight. In a recent statement that has set the MMA world abuzz, Usman declared, “If I had to select so as I’d say Brady, Shavkat and Buckley. That what is sensible.”
This declaration from the previous pound-for-pound king has ignited speculation concerning the way forward for the welterweight division and Kamara Usman’s place in it. Let’s break down each of those potential matchups and what they may mean for the landscape of the 170-pound weight class.
Sean Brady, The Recent Number One
Usman’s primary goal, Sean Brady, has just catapulted himself to the highest of the welterweight rankings with a dominant performance against former champion Leon Edwards at UFC London. Brady’s fourth-round submission victory over Edwards was a statement-making performance that has positioned him because the division’s primary contender.
This a loose, non-threatening half guard guillotine attempt that should not be taken seriously by anyone. But Sean Brady is so good on top, he makes it a fight ender against a former champ. pic.twitter.com/NIwDcp2ZhB
— RJ Clifford (@RJcliffordMMA) March 23, 2025
A matchup between Kamaru Usman and Brady would pit the previous champion against the division’s hottest prospect. Brady’s grappling-heavy style could present interesting challenges for Usman, who has long been considered top-of-the-line wrestlers in the game. This fight wouldn’t only function a stern test for Brady but additionally as a likelihood for Usman to prove he still belongs at the highest of the division.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, The Undefeated Phenom
Second on Usman’s list is Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated Kazakh fighter who has been tearing through the welterweight ranks. Rakhmonov’s most up-to-date victory, a hard-fought decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, solidified his position as a top contender.
A fight between Usman and Rakhmonov can be a clash of generations. Usman, together with his wrestling pedigree and improved striking, against Rakhmonov’s well-rounded skillset and excellent 19-0 record. This matchup could potentially determine who gets the subsequent shot on the title, especially if current champion Belal Muhammad retains his belt against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
Joaquin Buckley, The Dark Horse
The inclusion of Joaquin Buckley on Usman’s list might surprise some fans, but “Recent Mansa” has been on a tear since moving as much as welterweight. Buckley is riding a six-fight win streak, including impressive victories over Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and most recently, a TKO win over Colby Covington.
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Usman’s desire to face these top contenders shows that he is not in search of a straightforward path back to title contention. Each of those matchups presents unique challenges and opportunities for the previous champion to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the best level.
Nevertheless, the welterweight landscape has shifted significantly since Usman’s last fight. With Belal Muhammad now holding the title and a crop of hungry contenders vying for his or her shot, Usman’s road back to the belt is way from clear.
What’s Next for the Division?
Because the MMA world digests Kamaru Usman’s statement, all eyes will likely be on the UFC matchmakers to see which of those potential fights materializes. The consequence of the upcoming title fight between Muhammad and Della Maddalena at UFC 315 will likely play a major role in determining the division’s next moves.
If Muhammad retains his title, a rematch with Brady could possibly be on the horizon, given their history and Brady’s recent ascension to the primary contender spot. This scenario could leave the door open for a high-stakes bout between Usman and either Rakhmonov or Buckley.
Alternatively, if Della Maddalena pulls off the upset, it could reshuffle your complete division, potentially fast-tracking Usman’s return to title contention if he can secure a win over considered one of his named opponents.
Whether Kamaru Usman faces Brady, Rakhmonov, or Buckley, his return fight will undoubtedly be one of the vital anticipated bouts of the yr. The previous champion’s quest to reclaim his throne is about to start, and the welterweight division is on notice.
Because the situation develops, MMA enthusiasts worldwide will likely be eagerly watching to see how this high-stakes game of welterweight chess unfolds. One thing is for certain: with talents like Usman, Brady, Rakhmonov, and Buckley in the combination, the 170-pound weight class stays one of the vital exciting divisions in the game.
