Former fighter defends Islam Makhachev and names him the toughest opponent for the Russian in the UFC.

Islam makhachev In a duel against JackDella Maddalena. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

the intention of Islam makhachev in choosing Kamaru Usman His performance as his first opponent in the defense of the UFC welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg) has not pleased most fans and the media, especially considering the rise of names such as Ian Gary, MichaelMorales e Carlos PratesHowever, while the Nigerian Nightmare is seen as a minor challenge by most of the MMA world, this is not the opinion shared by those who have shared the octagon with him.

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Jorge masvidal, the first BMF champion in Ultimate history and former rival of Usman, came forward to defend the idea of ​​the Dagestan Clan and praise the Nigerian's skills. According to his analysis, the veteran would pose many difficulties for Makhachev.

“Usman is someone I personally know and who could wrestle against Makhachev. That’s his specialty; that’s what Usman started with. Usman is better on his feet, he’s bigger, has a longer reach, is stronger, and has more experience, using his defensive wrestling like he did with Colby. I even thought he could have beaten the current welterweight champion.” Khamzat Shimaev"Masvidal stated this on the latest episode of the 'Death Row MMA' podcast, which he hosts."

Jorge masvidal backs Kamaru Usman as the toughest test for Islam makhachev ⚔️👀

"Usman is somebody that I personally know could wrestle back into Makhachev. That's his forte; that's what Usman started with. Usman is better on the feet, he's bigger, longer, stronger, and has more... pic.twitter.com/2c8qbdUb1r

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 19, 2025

“This is Makhachev’s most dangerous fight in the 77 kg category. It’s a huge leap in terms of competition level. JDM is good at moving on the ground, but he doesn’t even come close to Usman’s defensive level. This is one of the toughest fights for Makhachev, and I don’t know if they’ll want to accept this challenge,” concluded the former fighter, who was defeated twice by Kamaru.

Both the Russian and the Nigerian have their careers managed by Ali Abdelaziz, the sport's leading promoter. Therefore, it is expected that negotiations for the fight will be facilitated. Currently, Usman is ranked eighth in the division and is coming off a victory against... Joaquin buckley in June of this year.

Makhachev achieved a feat that Usman couldn't.

Islam makhachev reached a historic milestone of Anderson Silva. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage.

The triumph against Jack Della Maddalena This put Islam in a very prominent position. Not only did the Russian become another fighter to win titles in two different weight classes, but he also added himself to a record that has stood for over a decade. With 16 consecutive wins, Makhachev equaled... Anderson Silva as the two athletes with the longest winning streaks in the organization's history.

Usman experienced a similar situation. With 15 wins, the Nigerian dominated the rematch with Leon edwards and was approaching the mark in August 2022. With less than a minute to go in the fight, he was brutally knocked out with a head kick and lost the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg), the same belt now held by the Russian.