The debate around the next welterweight title challenger has taken over the MMA world. While Kamaru Usman is undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters the division has ever seen, many UFC fans believe he should not be next in line for a title fight.
The current champion has openly shown interest in facing Usman next, but the rankings, recent performances, and contenders’ momentum tell a very different story.
The welterweight division is currently packed with undefeated contenders, rising finishers, and active fighters who have earned their position through hard work and consistency.
As good as Kamaru Usman is, his recent run simply does not justify a title shot ahead of names like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and Carlos Prates.
This article breaks down why many fans disagree with giving Usman another title opportunity, what the division looks like right now, and why other fighters deserve the spotlight more.
Kamaru Usman: A Legendary Career, But Wrong Timing for a Title Shot
There’s no denying the legacy of Kamaru Usman. He dominated the welterweight division for years, held the title for a long time, and defended it against elite opponents.
His skill set is still world-class, featuring sharp striking, powerful jabs, strong wrestling, and incredible fight IQ.
But legacy alone cannot earn a title shot, especially when the division is stacked with hungry contenders.
Usman’s last few years tell a very clear story:
- He lost three fights in a row before getting a decision win over Joaquin Buckley.
- His wins are no longer dominant like they once were.
- He is no longer as active as the younger contenders in the division.
- His last victory, while solid, was not a performance that demands an immediate title fight.
MMA fans respect Usman, but respect does not equal title eligibility. The champion choosing him next feels more like a money fight than a merit-based one.
A Look at Usman’s Recent Record
Before his win against Buckley, Usman had a tough streak:
- Two straight losses to Leon Edwards
- A loss to Khamzat Chimaev
- Followed by the Buckley decision win
A fighter coming off three losses in his last four fights is not someone who typically gets a title shot in a competitive division.
If the UFC wants to stay consistent with rankings and performances, Usman should, at the very least, get one more strong win before entering the title picture.
The Welterweight Division Is Too Competitive for Shortcuts
The biggest reason why fans are upset is simple:
The welterweight division has more deserving contenders right now.
This is not a shallow division where a former champion can easily get back into the title race. It’s currently one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC, packed with top-tier talent.
Fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, and Carlos Prates are not only winning but winning impressively.
Giving Usman a title shot over them feels unfair, unearned, and against the competitive spirit of the division.
Shavkat Rakhmonov: The Undefeated Monster Who Deserves It the Most
If there is any fighter who should be fighting for the welterweight belt right now, it is Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Here’s why:
- Still undefeated
- Finishes almost every opponent
- Beats top contenders convincingly
- Has the style and momentum that the division needs
Shavkat is one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC today. Not only does he win, but he wins without controversy, hesitation, or slowdowns.
He has finished elite fighters, shown strong grappling, sharp striking, and an all-around skill set that makes him a nightmare for anyone in the division.
Ignoring Shavkat’s streak to give Usman a title shot doesn’t just feel unfair — it feels like the UFC is skipping the true #1 contender.
Many fans believe the champion is avoiding Shavkat because, stylistically, it’s the hardest fight for him.
Ian Machado Garry: The Young Star Building His Case the Right Way
Ian Machado Garry is another name that deserves more respect in this conversation.
What makes Ian Garry special?
- He is undefeated in the UFC
- He fights on short notice when needed
- He has beaten good competition
- He is improving every fight
- He has strong striking, movement, and technical skills
- He stays active and pushes himself into big fights
Garry has earned his position through hard work, not reputation. He’s doing everything a rising contender should do — staying active, fighting anyone, and staying confident.
Why should a fighter who is grinding every day to secure his position get skipped by someone on a losing streak?
This is the exact question fans are asking.
Carlos Prates: The New KO Machine Taking Over the Division
Carlos Prates is the fighter everyone is talking about right now.
He may be newer compared to Usman, Garry, or Shavkat, but his performances speak louder than hype.
He’s knocking out opponents in style, bringing dangerous power, and catching the attention of fans and analysts worldwide.
What makes Prates deserving?
- Multiple highlight-reel knockouts
- Builds momentum with every fight
- Brings excitement that the division needs
- A strong finisher with deadly striking
The welterweight division needs fresh faces. A knockout machine like Prates fighting for a title is exactly the type of matchup fans dream about.
Skipping these rising fighters for an ageing contender feels like a step backwards.
Why the Champion Wants Kamaru Usman Instead
The current champion has openly expressed interest in fighting Usman next. And while fans understand why, it raises serious concerns.
Why would a champion want Usman?
- Name Value:
Usman is a former champion and a major star. - Financial Appeal:
A fight with Usman will likely draw more casual viewers. - Stylistic Preference:
Many believe the champion sees Usman as a more favourable matchup than Shavkat.
This has led to one of the biggest debates in the MMA community:
Is the champion Islam Makhachev ducking Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, and Carlos Prates?
Many fans believe yes.
Is Islam Makhachev Avoiding the New Contenders?
Some UFC fans strongly believe that Islam Makhachev is avoiding the real threats of the division.
The argument is simple:
- Shavkat is too dangerous
- Ian Garry is too technical
- Carlos Prates is too explosive
Facing an older Kamaru Usman, who is no longer in his prime, seems like a safer and more profitable choice.
Fans are seeing this as a strategic move by the champion rather than a merit-based decision.
Merit-Based Rankings Should Matter
The UFC has built its identity on competitive fairness. Rankings and recent performances have always been the foundation for determining title challengers.
Giving Usman a title shot goes completely against that logic.
If a fighter loses several fights in a row, they should not get a shortcut to the top. If younger contenders are risking their streaks and fighting regularly, they should not be skipped over.
This is where the frustration among fans comes from. It’s not personal against Usman; it’s about respecting the division and its active contenders.
Why Usman Should Take One More Fight Before a Title Shot
There is a simple solution that keeps everyone happy.
Kamaru Usman should fight one more top contender before getting a title shot.
Potential matchups that make sense:
- Usman vs Shavkat Rakhmonov
- Usman vs Ian Machado Garry
- Usman vs Belal Muhammad
- Usman vs Gilbert Burns (rematch)
- Usman vs Prates
If Usman wins a fight against an active top contender, he will naturally earn his spot.
Right now, he is being pushed into the title picture based on name value — not performance.
Breaking Down Why Usman Doesn’t Deserve It Yet
To summarise the argument clearly:
He lost three fights in a row before his recent win
A single decision win is not enough to erase a losing streak.
He is less active than other contenders
Fighters who compete regularly should be rewarded.
Contenders like Shavkat, Garry, and Prates are undefeated or on strong streaks
They earned their positions through consistent wins.
The champion wants Usman for financial reasons
This gives the impression that sports merit is being ignored.
Fans want fresh matchups
The division deserves new faces fighting for the title.
What UFC Fans Really Want
The UFC fanbase is vocal, and this time their message is clear:
Give the title shot to the most deserving fighter, not the most famous one.
Fans want:
- Shavkat Rakhmonov is getting his opportunity
- Ian Machado Garry is being rewarded for his hard work
- Carlos Prates is getting recognition for his exciting finishes
They want merit, fairness, and competitive matchups — not name-based matchmaking.
Conclusion: Kamaru Usman Should Not Get the Next Title Shot
Kamaru Usman is a legend, no doubt. He has achieved more than most fighters could dream of.
But right now, the welterweight division is loaded with deserving contenders, and giving Usman a title shot ahead of them would be unfair to the entire division.
This is not about disrespect; it’s about keeping the sport competitive.
- Shavkat deserves it more.
- Ian Garry deserves it more.
- Carlos Prates deserves it more.
Usman needs one more high-quality win before entering the championship conversation again.
- Fans know it.
- Analysts know it.
- And deep down, even the UFC knows it.
If the UFC wants to keep the integrity of its rankings, the next title shot should go to the fighter who earned it, not the fighter with the biggest name.
Ashish Lavania is a dedicated combat sports analyst and the mind behind some of the most detailed breakdowns in modern fight media. Specializing in UFC, MMA, and boxing analysis, Ashish combines deep technical knowledge with a fan-first approach, delivering insights that are easy to understand yet backed by real fighting IQ.