Javier Mendes believes that Kamal Usman will become a great challenger for former lightweight title holder Islamic Makachev.
“Nigeria Nightmare” delivered a vintage performance at UFC Atlanta, dominated Joaquin Buckley to a decisive unanimous decision victory. In the process, Usman snapped a skid who lost three fights and reestablished himself as a legal contender for the welterweight world championship.
Now back to the victory column, Usman sets his vision into one thing – to get his belt back. Of course, he has to wait to see how things unfold between champions Jack Della Madalena and Islamic Makhachev, but Usman already seems to have his fingers crossed.
Javier Mendes, who shares his thoughts on their potential conflicts – the founder and trainer of both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Makhachev’s American Kickboxing Academy – believes it is a battle that everyone, including himself, wants to see.
“Usman was very impressive. He is a solid challenge for Islam,” Mendes said courtesy of Genting Casino, which offers the best live casinos. “I think Usman is the biggest welterweight ever. So if Islam wants that fight, Usman is a big challenge for Islam. If that’s what Usman wants to do and that’s what Islam wants to do in the future, Usman will call him.”
Before talking about his fight with Kamal Usman, Makachev focuses solely on JDM
But for now, Makhachev and his crew are focusing on the tasks at hand. Break JDM and add a second belt to his collection.
“It’s a great fight. They can both make money and it’s not personal, so that’s a good thing. But we have to get Jack. We shouldn’t jump to Jack. We’re having a very tough fight right in front of our eyes.
“But once you get to Jack, you can see what Islam feels. But now I think I should focus more on Jack.”
The official date for Della Madarena’s 170-pound title defense against the first 170-pound Makachev has not been announced, but there is no doubt that when the time comes, Kamal Usman will ring a bit to face the winner.