Former champion admits that a duel with Islam Makhachev is unlikely to happen; find out why.

Islam makhachev He is a former UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

To the relief of most sports fans, it can be said that the first defense of Islam makhachev as the UFC welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) will not be against Kamaru UsmanThe Nigerian Nightmare came forward this Thursday (26) to expose the difficulty encountered by those behind the scenes at the Ultimate to turn the duel into reality.

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In the latest edition of the podcast 'Pound 4 Pound', which he presents along with Henry CejudoThe wrestler revealed that although he had suggested the duel to Hunter Campbell, the matchmaker's response was not what he had hoped for.

“Obviously, the fight with Islam is what I wanted. And for some reason we talked about it, but Hunter Campbell thinks differently and says, ‘Maybe not.’ Other things were presented to me, like DDP. DDP was presented to me. One thing about me is that when they call me and talk about this guy or that guy, I say yes. It has to be meaningful – if it leads me to the title, that’s what I want,” he stated.

Kamaru Usman claims Hunter Campbell isn't in favor of the Islam makhachev Fight. 👀🤯

“The Islam fight is obviously what I wanted, and for some reason we had conversations, but Hunter Campbell feels differently, and Hunter Campbell is like, 'Maybe not.'”

(Via @pound4poundshow ) pic.twitter.com/vUTAu1n7uz

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 26, 2026

Approaching his 39th birthday, Usman last performed in June of last year, when he won. Joaquin buckley by unanimous decision and broke a streak of three consecutive defeats. After winning the title by Islam makhachevBoth fighters expressed a desire to face each other. At the time when the challenges between the two became more frequent, some of the public noticed that both were managed by Ali Abdelaziz, one of the most famous and influential managers in the world of MMA.

At that moment, it seemed that both would have their requests granted. However, considering the large number of contenders for the belt in the category, the veteran should be left aside.