Bold claim: Kamaru Usman would approach a Khamzat Chimaev rematch with a different game plan, and there’s good reason to believe the result could look nothing like their first encounter. Usman, still a force at 21-4 with a 16-3 UFC record, stepped in on short notice to challenge Chimaev in a middleweight bout at UFC 294. He fought hard through a challenging first round and ultimately fell by a majority decision, proving he can raise his level even with limited prep time.
Since that fight, Usman has bounced back with a decisive decision win over Joaquin Buckley and has laid out a two-fight blueprint to extend his career. The immediate target to reclaim a title is a return to welterweight to challenge Islam Makhachev (28-1, 17-1 UFC), followed by a potential rematch with Chimaev at middleweight (15-0, 9-0 UFC).
In speaking with Eurosport NL, Usman praised Islam’s greatness while signaling a strategic edge. He noted that “Styles make fights,” and suggested that he might be the most difficult stylistic matchup for Islam at the moment. He pointed out that Islam made the last fight look easy, highlighting a perceived gap in the opponent’s game that Usman feels is actually a strength of his own. That perspective sets the stage for what could be a blockbuster crossweight challenge, with Usman calling Chimaev a tremendously talented champion who has delivered when asked to perform. He also admitted that a proper camp matters: the rematch against Chimaev would come with a full preparation period, allowing Usman to tailor a plan specifically for a bigger, stronger version of Chimaev.
If Usman gets back to the title scene, he envisions closing out his career on a high note by the end of 2026. His goal is ambitious: win the welterweight title first, then pursue a second belt and walk away as a double champion. It’s a bold vision that hinges on staying active in 2026 and securing the welterweight crown before exploring a potential second title run. The big question is whether the path through Islam and then a rematch with Chimaev can unfold in a way that satisfies his ambition and fans’ appetite for a dramatic late-career surge.
What do you think: should Usman chase the welterweight title first and then attempt the middleweight rematch, or would a direct, full-camp rematch against Chimaev at middleweight be the smarter route? Share your thoughts in the comments.
