UFC fans are glad to see Kamaru Usman return with a win over Joaquin Buckley, but most believe he should face Belal Muhammad next rather than receive an immediate title shot.
UFC fans are buzzing with excitement as Kamaru Usman makes his return to the octagon. After a lengthy hiatus, Usman secured a decisive victory over Joaquin Buckley in the main event at UFC Atlanta. But, many fans aren’t convinced this win should catapult him back into a title fight just yet.
Usman’s return marks his first UFC win since defeating Colby Covington at UFC 268 in November 2021. This victory breaks a three-fight losing streak, bringing a much-needed boost to his career. Yet, the conversation around title contention remains contentious.
Throughout fight week, Usman exuded confidence, believing his win would earn him a shot against the future victor between new champ Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. Meanwhile, the division has been bustling with rising stars like Sean Brady, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ian Machado Garry. Fans, however, have their sights set on a grudge match against Belal Muhammad.
Interestingly, Usman dismissed Muhammad during media interactions, sticking to his guns about wanting a title shot next. This stance left many fans puzzled, sparking debates within the MMA community.
Curious about the broader fan sentiment? Check out the poll results below to see who fans think Usman should face next. Spoiler: Belal Muhammad leads the pack with 46% of the votes, while others like Rakhmonov and Garry trail behind.
With 394 votes cast, the MMA community is clearly invested in Usman’s next move. Whether it’s a title shot or a showdown with Muhammad, the octagon awaits. Vote now and join the conversation!