“1 Win Since 2021” – Controversial Manager Vouching for Kamaru Usman Title Shot Gets Cooked By MMA Fans

Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz explains why Kamaru Usman is going to be Islam Makhachev's first title defense.

“1 Win Since 2021” – Controversial Manager Vouching for Kamaru Usman Title Shot Gets Cooked By MMA Fans

Ali Abdelaziz campaigns for Kamaru Usman vs Islam Makhachev (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

The air is buzzing around the next move in the welterweight division following the events of UFC 322 and UFC Qatar. Islam Makhachev is preparing for his first title defense after capturing the belt. Discussion has intensified as Ali Abdelaziz campaigned for former champion Kamaru Usman to be the obvious challenger. The matchup has quickly become a central talking point in the division.

At the center of the debate is Islam Makhachev, the newly crowned UFC welterweight champion who defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Makhachev has openly identified Usman as the opponent he prefers for his first defense. He continues to view the former champion as a worthy and credible challenger, keeping Usman positioned near the forefront of the title picture.

Usman has also remained vocal about being first in line to compete for the belt again. The former champion has acknowledged that facing Makhachev would be a demanding stylistic matchup for him. This ongoing stance set the stage for Abdelaziz’s recent comments, which push the Usman matchup forward. His public campaign further elevated the discussion.

Kamaru Usman has done a lot of things for this company. I will campaign for him to get a title fight… What the **** has Ian Garry done the last couple years? Kamaru Usman is a legend… he was offered Shavkat last November, Kamaru accepted the fight. Kamaru Usman is one of the biggest names in the division. When you’re Islam Makhachev, you want to have legacy on your name.

Ali Abdelaziz via MMA Junkie

Abdelaziz also diminished Ian Garry’s recent accomplishments when promoting Usman for the shot. Garry earned a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, strengthening his position in the rankings. The Irish contender dismissed the idea of Usman receiving a title opportunity at this stage. Despite that, the manager continued prioritizing the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ over newer names.

Usman’s recent form, however, places him in a challenging position within the division. He is 1–3 in his last four bouts since 2021, suffering a vicious knockout loss against Leon Edwards at UFC 278 and a majority decision loss in the rematch at UFC 286. He later dropped a close decision to Khamzat Chimaev in his middleweight debut. These results have complicated his path back to contention.

Even so, Usman recently returned to the win column in June 2025 with a victory over Joaquin Buckley, helping his case for another title push. With Abdelaziz serving as the common manager for both Kamaru Usman and Islam Makhachev, the matchup remains heavily promoted. The final decision now rests with UFC leadership. The welterweight landscape awaits its next move.

Fans react to Ali Abdelaziz’s campaign for Kamaru Usman vs Islam Makhachev

Ali Abdelaziz’s involvement has drawn a familiar wave of criticism from fans who believe he frequently manages or posts from his fighters’ social media accounts. Many argue this pattern creates unnecessary tension online. His history of aggressive promotion keeps him under constant scrutiny. The latest push for Kamaru Usman has only amplified that reaction.

Ali Abdelaziz and Kamaru Usman
Ali Abdelaziz and Kamaru Usman (via BJ Penn)

Fans across platforms continue to point to Usman’s recent form as the main reason he should not receive a title shot. They highlight his 1–3 run and the setbacks that followed his championship reign. Many argue that merit, not legacy, should determine placement of contenders. This sentiment has fueled pushback against Abdelaziz’s campaign.

Another section of the fanbase is urging Abdelaziz to acknowledge other rising contenders in the division. Names like Michael Morales and Carlos Prates are frequently cited as superior and more deserving options. Supporters argue their momentum reflects the division’s current direction. They insist the title shot should go to fighters climbing rather than declining.

Also Read: