Overview
- UFC analyst Din Thomas labeled Makhachev vs. Usman the most sellable choice and said it would give time to build Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
- Belal Muhammad accused Makhachev and shared manager Ali Abdelaziz of “planting the seeds” for an easier matchup and argued unbeaten Michael Morales deserves the shot.
- Kamaru Usman is 1-3 in his past four appearances after a decision win over Joaquin Buckley, a recent run detractors cite against immediate title consideration.
- Makhachev has described Usman as his toughest test at 170 pounds, and Henry Cejudo suggested Usman’s takedown defense and 1-2 could pose problems.
- No bout is finalized, and reporting that UFC pushed certain names for an early headliner remains unconfirmed as the matchup discussion continues.