UFC followers are comfortable to see Kamaru Usman again within the octagon after a protracted layoff, however they don’t imagine his win over Joaquin Buckley ought to put him again in a title battle.
Usman returned for the primary time in almost two years and earned a lopsided determination in opposition to Buckley in the primary occasion of UFC Atlanta this previous Saturday. The victory snapped a three-fight skid, and served as Usman’s first UFC win since incomes a choice in opposition to Colby Covington at UFC 268 in November 2021.
All through battle week, Usman was fairly assured {that a} victory wouldn’t solely put him again within the title dialog, however would earn him a title battle in opposition to the winner of the longer term matchup between new champ Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. Lots has occurred since Usman was therapeutic up, with a slew of latest contenders and opponents rising up the divisional ranks resembling Sean Brady, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and others. Moreover, most followers believed that win, lose, or draw in opposition to Buckley, a grudge match in opposition to Belal Muhammad could be the battle to make.
Usman no-sold Muhammad throughout media day, then doubled-down on it after his win, remaining steadfast {that a} title battle ought to be subsequent. The sentiment appeared to go away followers scratching their heads, as may be seen from the MMA Combating neighborhood.
Take a look at fan reactions, plus vote within the ballot about who Usman ought to face subsequent beneath.
Ballot
What ought to be subsequent for Kamaru Usman after UFC Atlanta win?
4%
(13 votes)
46%
(121 votes)
14%
(39 votes)
21%
(55 votes)
261 votes complete
Vote Now
