Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman is ‘Least Deserving’ Title Fight, Claims UFC Welterweight Star

#7 ranked welterweight contender Sean Brady questions Islam Makhachev's decision to give Kamaru Usman a title shot.

Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman is ‘Least Deserving’ Title Fight, Claims UFC Welterweight Star

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UFC 322 caused major shifts in the welterweight division after Islam Makhachev captured the championship. The win opened the door for a wave of young and hungry contenders now vying for their chance at the belt. Despite this growing field, Makhachev has shown interest in giving Kamaru Usman the first title shot. However, Sean Brady has argued that this direction is not the right move for the division.

Before UFC 322, Brady held the #1 ranking at welterweight and was positioned for a title fight with a win. His knockout loss to undefeated contender Michael Morales pushed him down to #7. Brady entered the event on a three-fight winning streak that included an impressive submission against former champion Leon Edwards. The setback significantly changed his trajectory in the title race.

Makhachev secured the welterweight title with a dominant one-sided performance against Jack Della Maddalena. The Dagestani champion later identified Usman as the only plausible option for his first defense. This stance sparked renewed debate within the division. Brady responded with firm criticism, arguing that the choice ignored more deserving contenders.

There’s no way Ian gets it next, I don’t think so. First of all, the least deserving of it is Kamaru Usman. I don’t know how they’re fine angling this, trying to push him to the title. Mutual friendship, same manager… I understand what they’re trying to do, but that’s bullsh*t. I personally, obviously he beat me, I think Morales is the most deserving out of everybody. Undefeated, 19-0. Just beat me. I was the number one contender.

Sean Brady via Steady Picks

Brady had already voiced doubts about Makhachev’s reign even before UFC 322 took place. He questioned whether the new champion would stay at 170 pounds or attempt to return to lightweight to reclaim the belt from Ilia Topuria. According to Brady, such uncertainty risked leaving the welterweight division without consistent activity. He believed this instability could slow the division’s overall progress.

Brady also pointed to the managerial ties between Makhachev and Usman, both longtime clients of Ali Abdelaziz. He raised concerns that shared representation could influence matchmaking decisions. Usman’s long championship history and high-profile status added further layers to the discussion. He argued that these factors should not outweigh recent performances in determining title opportunities.

Interestingly, Brady was not the only welterweight questioning the idea of Makhachev facing Usman next. Ian Garry also pushed for a title shot after his win at UFC Qatar and dismissed Islam Makhachev’s interest in Kamaru Usman. With several contenders vocal about their positions, the division remains highly competitive. The next steps for the new champion will directly shape the path forward at 170 pounds.

Undefeated welterweight questions Islam Makhachev’s performance at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev’s dominant showing against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 raised discussions about how his style translates at 170 pounds. The performance prompted several ranked fighters to reassess their own positions in the division. Among them, undefeated Kazakh phenom Shavkat Rakhmonov has emerged as one of the most vocal.

Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322
Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 (via Reuters)

Rakhmonov, an undefeated contender with an almost perfect finishing rate, has closely followed Makhachev’s transition to welterweight. His long-standing record against top competition has positioned him as one of the most credible challengers. Rakhmonov recently took an interest in how decisively the champion controlled Della Maddalena over five rounds.

I believe Islam had a great performance. But I also want to find out for myself, is it JDM had a bad, such a bad performance or Islam had such a good performance?

Shavkat Rakhmonov via The Ariel Helwani Show

The Kazakh contender remains ranked #3 at welterweight and has maintained his unbeaten record through a series of dominant wins. His blend of grappling and striking has led many analysts to label him one of Islam Makhachev’s biggest potential challenges. Their stylistic similarities have only heightened the intrigue around a future meeting.

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