Usman Backs Makhachev's Call to Snub January Title Defence

Kamaru Usman believes Islam Makhachev has made the right call in turning down a January title defence. The welterweight champion, fresh from his close win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, has ruled out returning until May 2027 at the earliest and rejected a UFC 336 date in Toronto against Carlos Prates, arguing that Prates or Michael Morales must first prove they deserve the opportunity. Usman, speaking on his Pound 4 Pound podcast alongside Henry Cejudo, gave the champion his full backing. "If you're gonna replace a staple like Kamaru Usman, you've gotta be able to put in someone like Islam," he said, framing Makhachev as the division's rightful standard-bearer. The plan now sees Prates fight Morales for an interim title in three months' time, with Prates already vowing to retire Makhachev once he holds that belt. The debate says plenty about where the welterweight division stands. Makhachev only fought a couple of months ago, and Usman himself recently returned to middleweight for a showdown with Dricus du Plessis rather than chasing another run at 170 pounds. For now, the title picture waits — and the interim belt, not the undisputed crown, is the prize on offer in January.