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

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In the main event of UFC Atlanta , Kamaru Usman delivered a brilliant performance against Joaquin Buckley , ending the worst phase of his career. The Nigerian, who had suffered three consecutive defeats, dominated the 'Knockout Man' for five rounds and revived his hopes of a welterweight title shot (up to 77 kg), something that, in Sean Brady 's view , doesn't make sense at the moment.

During an appearance on 'The BradyBagz Show', Sean Brady criticized Kamaru Usman 's request for another shot at the welterweight title. In the American's view, the former champion doesn't deserve it, as he was coming off three losses and couldn't even finish Joaquin Buckley , then ranked seventh. Furthermore, Brady reiterated 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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Besides the possible move up from the lightweight division (up to 70,2kg) by Islam Makhachev , Sean Brady highlighted that the welterweight division already has well-positioned names in line, such as Shavkat Rakhmonov , who is tipped to be the next challenger. Even so, the American showed willingness to face both Kamaru Usman and Ian Garry , but made it clear that his preference is for a fight against the former champion.

“Shavkat is still in line, and they say he’s next. Anyway, I fight Usman or I fight Ian Garry … Now I think: screw it, I fight Usman. He’s a former champion. I’d rather do that fight. After I beat Leon, Usman said, ‘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,” the American continued.

Despite being willing to face Usman to determine the next challenger, Sean Brady states that even if the fight doesn't happen, he already considers himself ahead of the Nigerian in the title race. In the American's view, neither should be fighting for the title at the moment, as Islam Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov are ahead in line. Still, Brady highlighted that he is the only one among them who managed a submission victory in his last fight, which, according to him, reinforces his position.

“None of us are going to compete 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 Leon Edwards , who was number 1 at the time, and submitted him. I'm the only one who managed a submission,” concluded Sean Brady.

At 32 years old, Sean Brady has 19 wins and only one loss in his career. The American is in good form, with three consecutive victories, the most recent being against former champion Leon Edwards.

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