Kamaru Usman and Rising Welterweight Contender Spotted in Training as Islam Makhachev Awaits First Challenger

Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Michael Morales are seen putting in work for a title shot against Islam Makhachev.

Kamaru Usman and Rising Welterweight Contender Spotted in Training as Islam Makhachev Awaits First Challenger

Kamaru Usman and Michael Morales training for potential title fight (via ESPN, X)

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The UFC welterweight division has seen several major developments since UFC 322, driven by the sheer number of talented fighters competing for position. Islam Makhachev pushed himself into this landscape by claiming the division’s title, immediately drawing interest from contenders ready to pounce on a shot. It now appears that Kamaru Usman and Michael Morales have begun their pursuit of taking the belt.

Makhachev transitioned from lightweight to welterweight and secured the championship with a dominant unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena. It elevated him into elite company by making him the 11th two-division champion in UFC history. It also extended his impressive run of consecutive victories inside the Octagon. His streak now stands tied for the longest active winning streak in the organization.

Makhachev appeared interested in giving Usman the first shot, acknowledging the former champion’s lengthy reign at 170 pounds. Usman, now 38, and in the retirement phase of his career, has still shown a willingness to prepare intensely. He was recently seen drilling heavy pad work as part of a focused striking routine, and he showed himself practicing takedowns and refining his ground-and-pound offense.

Morales has also risen steadily through the welterweight division with impressive performances against top contenders. Victories over Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny marked key steps in his surge toward title contention. His most recent knockout of Sean Brady at UFC 322 further strengthened his standing. Training clips have shown him sharpening combinations and overall ground awareness.

Both Usman and Morales were observed working extensively on wrestling and grappling, acknowledging Makhachev’s strengths. The champion’s style relies on rapid takedowns, unrelenting pressure, and calculated control from top position. That approach was on full display at UFC 322 as JDM endured increasing damage throughout the fight and looked worse after every round.

The division’s stakes have intensified further with Ian Garry continuing his surge after defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. Garry has already diminished Usman’s position by asserting that the former champion holds reduced relevance in the title conversation. His push adds another challenger into an already crowded field of contenders waiting to pounce on Islam Makhachev.

Kamaru Usman questions Belal Muhammad over fighting Islam Makhachev in the future

Belal Muhammad has consistently shown support for Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, given their shared training history across multiple camps. His alignment with the Dagestani team became a steady theme during his climb at welterweight. Makhachev remained at lightweight throughout Muhammad’s title run without pursuing a second belt and moved up only after Muhammad lost his belt.

Kamaru Usman question Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev
Kamaru Usman questions Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

Earlier, Muhammad never considered facing Makhachev because of their long-standing training connection. His stance shifted after Makhachev’s win at UFC 322, which positioned him as a new force at welterweight. Muhammad reassessed his approach after his loss at UFC Qatar, as divisional opportunities tightened.This change set the stage for Kamaru Usman’s recent comments addressing ‘Bully B’s position.

Now you want to challenge the man who you didn’t want to challenge you for the title? Are you as close as you say you are or you were just faking it just because you didn’t want to be challenged.

Kamaru usman via Pound4Pound Show

The broader picture now shows that Muhammad previously believed he had a stronger claim to the division than Makhachev did before UFC 322 unfolded. He did not dismiss the possibility of fighting him but viewed himself as the more deserving contender. Kamaru Usman remains active in the discussion as he evaluates his own relevance in an increasingly competitive field.

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