Islam Makhachev Vs. Kamaru Usman: Potential Superfight?

Could we see Islam Makhachev face off against Kamaru Usman in a future superfight? It's a tantalizing prospect that has MMA fans buzzing. In this article, we'll delve into the possibility of this epic clash, analyzing the fighters' strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of it actually happening.

The Lightweight King: Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, has been on an absolute tear. With a dominant grappling game and ever-improving striking, he's proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. His recent victories over Alexander Volkanovski have solidified his position as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. But how would he fare against a dominant welterweight like Kamaru Usman?

Makhachev's path to the title was paved with relentless pressure, suffocating top control, and a submission game that few can match. His striking, once considered a weakness, has evolved significantly under the tutelage of Javier Mendez and the team at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). He now uses his striking effectively to set up his takedowns, making him a truly well-rounded threat. His fight IQ is also incredibly high, as he can adapt his strategy mid-fight based on what his opponent is doing. This adaptability is a crucial asset against someone as experienced and skilled as Usman.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Makhachev is his size and strength against larger opponents. While he's incredibly strong for a lightweight, Usman is a career welterweight who has consistently overpowered his opponents. Makhachev would need to rely on his technique and leverage to negate Usman's size advantage. He would also need to be wary of Usman's striking power, as one well-placed shot could change the course of the fight. However, Makhachev's cardio is known to be exceptional, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout the fight, which could be a significant advantage against Usman, especially in the later rounds.

Ultimately, Makhachev's chances against Usman would depend on his ability to impose his grappling game and avoid getting drawn into a striking battle. If he can take Usman down and control him on the ground, he has a good chance of securing a submission or grinding out a decision victory. However, if Usman can keep the fight standing and utilize his striking and wrestling defense, he could pose a serious threat to Makhachev's reign.

The Nigerian Nightmare: Kamaru Usman

Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman reigned supreme over the welterweight division for years. His wrestling prowess, coupled with his powerful striking, made him a nightmare matchup for anyone. Though he recently lost his title to Leon Edwards, Usman remains a top contender and a formidable opponent for any fighter, regardless of weight class.

Usman's wrestling background is his biggest strength. He can take almost anyone down and control them on the ground. He also has a knack for tiring out his opponents, which has led to late-round finishes in several of his fights. In addition to his wrestling, Usman has developed a very powerful striking game. He has a dangerous jab, powerful overhand right, and a solid kicking game. He has shown that he can knock out opponents with his hands, as seen in his victories over Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns. This makes him a threat both on the feet and on the ground.

However, Usman is not invincible. His loss to Leon Edwards highlighted some potential vulnerabilities, particularly in his striking defense. Edwards was able to land a head kick that knocked Usman out, showing that he can be caught if he gets complacent. Usman's age is also a factor to consider. At 36 years old, he is not getting any younger, and his body may not be able to recover as quickly as it used to. This could be a disadvantage against a younger, fresher opponent like Makhachev.

Despite these potential weaknesses, Usman remains a dangerous opponent for anyone. His wrestling, striking, and experience make him a tough matchup for even the best fighters in the world. If he can shore up his striking defense and maintain his physical conditioning, he could regain his title and continue to be a dominant force in the welterweight division. A fight against Makhachev would be a true test of his skills and a chance to prove that he is still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Makhachev vs. Usman: A Clash of Styles

A potential fight between Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman is a classic clash of styles. Makhachev is a dominant grappler with improving striking, while Usman is a powerful wrestler with knockout power on the feet. This contrast in styles would make for a fascinating and unpredictable fight.

Makhachev's path to victory would likely involve taking Usman down and controlling him on the ground. He would need to use his superior grappling skills to neutralize Usman's strength and prevent him from getting back to his feet. Makhachev could look for submissions, such as his signature rear-naked choke, or he could simply grind out a decision victory by controlling Usman for the majority of the fight. The key for Makhachev would be to avoid getting drawn into a striking battle with Usman, as that would play to Usman's strengths.

Usman, on the other hand, would want to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking and wrestling defense. He would need to use his jab to keep Makhachev at bay and prevent him from closing the distance for takedowns. Usman could also look to land his powerful overhand right, which has knocked out several opponents in the past. If Makhachev does manage to take him down, Usman would need to use his strength and wrestling skills to get back to his feet as quickly as possible. The key for Usman would be to avoid getting controlled on the ground and to capitalize on any opportunities to land strikes.

The Likelihood of the Superfight Happening

So, how likely is it that we'll actually see Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman? There are several factors to consider.

First, there's the weight difference. Usman is a career welterweight, while Makhachev is a lightweight. For the fight to happen, Usman would likely have to move up to lightweight or Makhachev would have to move up to welterweight. Both scenarios are possible, but they would require careful planning and preparation. Makhachev has spoken about potentially moving up in weight to challenge himself, and Usman has shown interest in fighting at different weight classes in the past.

Second, there's the issue of title implications. Makhachev is currently the lightweight champion, and Usman is a former welterweight champion. If the fight were to happen, it would likely be a non-title fight, as it would be difficult to justify stripping either champion of their title. However, a win over a champion from another weight class would still be a significant accomplishment for either fighter.

Third, there's the business side of things. A fight between Makhachev and Usman would be a huge draw, and the UFC would likely be interested in making it happen. However, negotiations could be complicated, as both fighters would want to be compensated fairly for taking such a high-risk fight. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to make the fight happen would come down to the UFC and the fighters themselves.

Conclusion

A superfight between Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman would undoubtedly be a massive event in the world of MMA. The clash of styles, the potential for a thrilling contest, and the star power of both fighters make it a dream matchup for many fans. While there are obstacles to overcome, the possibility of seeing these two champions square off in the future is certainly an exciting prospect.

Whether it's Makhachev's grappling brilliance or Usman's striking power that prevails, one thing is for sure: a fight between these two legends would be an unforgettable spectacle.