Kamaru Usman backs Islam Makhachev's decision

The former champion understands why Makhachev declined the UFC 336 matchup.

Kamaru Usman has shown understanding for Islam Makhachev’s decision not to compete at UFC 336.

A title fight between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates had actually been planned for this event. However, the champion declined the bout, and a fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for the interim title has now been scheduled instead.

Islam Makhachev faced a lot of criticism for his decision. Kamaru Usman, however, stood by the champion.

On the Pound4Pound podcast, he explained why he can understand the decision.

“If you’re gonna replace a staple like Kamaru Usman, you’ve gotta be able to put in someone like Islam. If you’re gonna take out someone like an Islam Makhachev, who’s that next guy right now looking in that welterweight division that you can put there and say, ‘I can do a numbered event that people are really gonna pack the arena for?’ I think these guys are well on the way, but I feel like they just need maybe one more. One more against a top guy that still has big clout. I think this is a phenomenal matchup. Either guy wins this here, they are A-tier to potentially succeed if Islam Makhachev loses the belt or gives up the belt”

he said.

However, he’s pretty much alone in seeing it that way. The fans see it a little differently, as they accuse the champion of hiding from his challengers. That said, Islam Makhachev can’t avoid a fight against one of the two anyway. The winner will fight for the title, that much is certain. That’s why the fans’ opinion is somewhat questionable, since a fight will happen one way or another. What do you think?