Kamaru Usman Eyes Two-Division Championship Before Retirement

Published

2 hours ago

14 November, 2025

editorial

BREAKING: Kamaru Usman has unveiled an ambitious plan for his UFC career as he aims to retire as a two-division champion. In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, the 38-year-old former welterweight champion detailed his aspirations just days before the highly anticipated UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday.

Usman is closely watching the main event showdown featuring Jack Della Maddalena defending his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev, who is moving up from lightweight to challenge for gold. “I think [the fight is] a toss-up,” Usman said. “But I do think Islam has the grappling edge when it goes down to the ground.”

The stakes are high for Usman, who is eager to face the winner. “Of course, I’m looking to get in there and potentially test myself against the winner,” he added, emphasizing his desire to reclaim his title after last defeating Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision in June 2023.

While Usman does not have a specific timeline for his return, he imagines a “storybook” ending to his career, aiming to capture both the welterweight and middleweight titles. The middleweight belt is currently held by Khamzat Chimaev, who handed Usman one of his four career losses in a closely contested match. “That’s an intriguing fight,” Usman remarked. “That’s a compelling fight that everybody would want to see on a full training camp to go out and challenge him.”

With his sights set on becoming a two-division champion, Usman stated, “The only thing that is not on the resume is the two-division champion. Go out and get that. And at that point, then you look back and go, ‘Oh, what else is there to do?'”

As UFC 322 approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcomes that could pave the way for Usman’s historic return. Will he secure a matchup against the winner this weekend? The fight is set to take place on October 14, 2023, and the results could reshape the trajectory of Usman’s legendary career.

Stay tuned for live updates and developments surrounding UFC 322 and Kamaru Usman’s quest for dual titles.