Paramount+ is the new home for UFC events, so expect the network’s social media channels to start cranking out fight-related content for the next seven years.
Like the backstage face off between former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and current 170-pound titleholder Islam Makhachev, who are campaigning for a headlining title fight at some point later this year.
Have a look:
Frenemies?
Giving Usman the next 170-pound title shot would require the promotion to overlook more deserving candidates, which
is probably why fans are filling the Instagram comments with GIFs of No. 2-ranked title contender, Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“Maybe Islam is looking for a more suitable, more convenient opponent,” the undefeated Rakhmonov previously told Ariel Helwani. “I believe I’m the most inconvenient, hardest fight for him in the division. I’m undefeated for a reason. Whatever the UFC decides, I believe he’ll accept. Of course, I would prefer to fight for the title next, but I think this timeline isn’t going to work for Islam — February or March. He will probably defend his belt in April or May. If I have to fight before getting a title shot, I have no problem with that.”
But it sounds like people have a problem with Makhachev vs. Usman.
No word yet on when or where Makhachev will make his Octagon return and the preparations for UFC White House (and its rumored eight or night title fights) could impact how champions like Islam are booked over the next few months.
Stay tuned.
