Kamaru Usman Vows To Hang Gloves in 2026 After Checking Off Major Achievements

Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman talks about retirement and the chance he has right now to win two UFC belts.

Kamaru Usman Vows To Hang Gloves in 2026 After Checking Off Major Achievements

Kamaru Usman talks about his ambitious 2026 plans (via X)

In Short
  • Kamaru Usman plans to retire in 2026 after aiming to become both welterweight and middleweight champion.
  • He recently defeated Joaquin Buckley, reaffirming his status as a top contender in the welterweight division.
  • Usman believes he poses the toughest challenge for current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and seeks a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev.

At the age of 38, Kamaru Usman has already achieved nearly everything the UFC offers to elite fighters. The former welterweight champion dominated his division for years, defeating top contenders and cementing his legacy among the greats. As retirement rumors continue circulating among fans, Usman has addressed speculation while insisting he still has unfinished business.

In his last outing, Kamaru Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley convincingly, bouncing back from a tough previous setback to silence critics. The former champion proved he still belonged among the elite welterweights and remains a serious title contender in the welterweight division. Now, eager for one final title opportunity, Usman has outlined ambitious plans for 2026 before announcing retirement.

2026, we want to say ‘Wow, I can’t believe you actually pulled that off. Not only took one title but he took two, and you walked away.’ Of course, the welterweight first, because I don’t think the other one happens without the welterweight one because it only makes sense. I am in this division and I am still there, so why not take that one first? 

Kamaru Usman via UFC on TNT Sports 

Kamaru Usman has long been dealing with chronic knee injuries that have impacted his training camps severely over the years. Joe Rogan once mentioned that the former champion sometimes struggled to even walk properly backstage due to lingering pain issues. However, these persistent setbacks do not appear to hinder Usman’s ambitions for another title run in the near future.

According to Usman, he believes he represents the toughest challenge for current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. He pointed to Makhachev’s wrestling victory over Jack Della Maddalena and claimed his own background can effectively neutralize that approach.

Despite past ties with Team Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Nigerian Nightmare insists he is fully prepared for this massive challenge. Islam Makhachev has also expressed a strong interest in fighting Kamaru Usman, aiming to surpass his welterweight title defense record. The reigning champion believes defeating a former dominant ruler like Usman would further cement his legacy in the division.

However, many fans and analysts have criticized this idea, arguing that younger contenders deserve priority in championship contention. Names like Ian Garry, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates are rising rapidly, demanding rightful opportunities. It will be interesting to see whether the veteran fighter can beat these young contenders in the much-anticipated welterweight title race. 

Kamaru Usman wants to run it back against Khamzat Chimaev 

Kamaru Usman previously stepped up on short notice to fight Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight despite obvious preparation disadvantages. Even without a full training camp, Usman managed to push the ‘Borz’ and delivered extremely competitive rounds.

Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev in the first fight
Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev in the first fight (via X)

Many observers praised Usman’s resilience, as he absorbed pressure and showcased elite wrestling against a larger opponent. Since that clash, Chimaev has steamrolled multiple contenders and eventually captured the middleweight championship dominantly. In a recent interview, Usman revealed ambitions to first defeat Islam Makhachev before pursuing a blockbuster rematch.

If I get that title, a lot of people wanted to see that rematch with a full camp. If I was able to get that opportunity again and actually prepare for a big, strong Khamzat – because he’s done everything that was asked of him – getting that opportunity again, I would approach that fight a little different.

Kamaru Usman continued.

Chimaev’s relentless grappling and aggressive style have made him one of the most feared fighters across divisions. However, according to Usman, he has the ability to tackle that pressure and eventually get his second UFC belt. With both the welterweight and middleweight divisions being stacked, fans are definitely doubtful about Usman’s ambitious plan for 2026.

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