Welterweight standout mocks Kamaru Usman's plans and challenges former UFC champion: 'True number one'

Kamaru Usman hasn't fought since 2023. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In the main fight UFC Atlanta, Kamaru Usman had a brilliant performance against Joaquin buckley and ended the worst phase of his career. The Nigerian, who had suffered three consecutive defeats, dominated the 'Knockout Man' for five rounds and once again considered a fight for the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg), something that, in the view of Sean brady, it doesn't make sense at the moment.

During an appearance on 'The BradyBagz Show', Sean brady criticized the request for Kamaru Usman for a new chance at the welterweight belt. In the American's view, the former champion has no merit for this, since he had three defeats and was not even able to finish Joaquin buckley, then seventh in the ranking. In addition, Brady reinforced that Islam makhachev is already the next challenger and warned that if Usman chooses to wait, he could face a long period of inactivity.

“If he had gotten a submission, maybe he would have had a better argument. But Buckley was ranked No. 7, and you, Usman, were on a three-fight losing streak. I get what he’s saying, he’s got the bigger name. Let’s say Makhachev and Maddalena fight in October, and Islam wins. He won’t fight again until next year. So you’re going to wait 18 months? Because he doesn’t fight during Ramadan, he might not fight until early or late 2026,” Brady said.

Sean Brady gives green light to fight Kamaru Usman

S. Brady faces G. Durinho on September 7th. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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In addition to the possible rise in Islam makhachev, coming from the lightweights (up to 70,2kg), Sean brady highlighted that the welterweight division already has well-positioned names in the queue, such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, tipped to be the next challenger. Still, the American showed himself willing to face both Kamaru Usman as Ian Gary, but made it clear that his preference is for the duel against the former champion.

“There’s still Shavkat in line, and they say he’s next. Either way, I’ll fight Usman or I’ll fight Ian Gary… Now I’m like, fuck it, I’ll fight Usman. He’s a former champion. I’d rather do that fight. After I beat Leon, Usman was like, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll fight Brady now.’ Like, okay, now that you’ve won one, it makes sense. I’m in. Let’s stop waiting. Let’s see who the real number one is,” continued the American.

Despite being willing to face Usman to determine the next challenger, Sean brady states that, even if the duel does not happen, he already considers himself ahead of the Nigerian in the race for the belt. In the American's view, neither of them should fight for the title at the moment, since Islam makhachev e Shavkat Rakhmonov are at the front of the line. Still, Brady pointed out that he is the only one among them who managed a submission in his last performance, which, according to him, reinforces his position.

“None of us are going to fight for the title now. Islam is there, they’re saying Shavkat is next, then it’s me, then Usman, then Ian. Ian beat Prates, who was number 13. Usman beat Buckley, who was number 7. And I got there, beat him. Leon edwards, who was number 1 at the time, and I submitted him. I'm the only one who got a submission.”, he concluded Sean brady.

At 32, Sean brady has 19 wins and only one loss in his career. The American is in good form, with three consecutive triumphs, the most recent being over the former champion Leon edwards.