Kamaru Usman thought he had done the whole lot right. He rebuilt his legacy, climbed back into contention, and believed a shot at Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title was the logical next step. But “The Nigerian Nightmare” is now speaking out after apparently being bypassed, and he isn’t hiding his frustration.
In a recent social media leak, Usman made it clear that he isn’t next in line for a light-weight title shot against Makhachev, and he has no idea why.
“For some reason that fight isn’t being made,” Usman said.
Kamaru Usman is unsure why he isn’t fighting Islam Makhachev 🏆🧐 pic.twitter.com/Wp6ee3Rhp0
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) February 23, 2026
It’s a surprising development for a fighter who many believed had quietly positioned himself as one of the vital compelling challengers within the division. After his decorated run as one in every of the best welterweights in UFC history, including a dominant stretch as champion, Usman has proved enough in his win over Joaquin Buckley, even during his rough stretch. A showdown with Makhachev, widely considered the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet, felt inevitable.
Now, that matchup appears to be on hold indefinitely, and Usman is not getting answers from the UFC brass.
The identity of the challenger to Makhachev stays unclear, but names like Ian Garry and Michael Morales have circulated in recent weeks. Whether the UFC is pursuing an even bigger draw or just favoring a special matchup stylistically, Usman is being overlooked of the conversation, and he’s noticed.
What makes this case particularly puzzling is Usman’s track record. Few fighters in UFC history carry the resume he does, and his credibility as a legitimate title threat at 170 kilos is difficult to dismiss. His wrestling pedigree, elite pressure, and championship experience would make him one in every of Makhachev’s most dangerous opponents on paper.
For now, Usman says he’s waiting for communication from the UFC, but patience appears to be wearing thin. Whether this becomes a protracted public dispute or gets resolved quietly behind the scenes, one thing is definite, “The Nigerian Nightmare” is not going away quietly.