Kamaru Usman opens up on response to UFC offer for Dricus du Plessis middleweight bout

Speaking on his Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman shared that the UFC had proposed a bout against former middleweight champion Du Plessis.

The 38-year-old gave some insight into his ongoing talks with the organisation, acknowledging how difficult it has been to land the title shot he is after.

Following Usman’s challenging short-notice bout with Khamzat Chimaev at 185 pounds in 2023, the promotion appears eager to have the veteran fighter compete in the heavier weight class again.

“When I say I can still do this at the high level, I mean that. For some reason, we’ve had conversations, and Hunter Campbell feels differently,” the Nigerian star said.

“They haven’t come out and said, ‘Okay, Islam is going to get this guy,’ or Islam is going to get me. But it has been a tumultuous journey with trying to get that done.

“Other things were presented to me…DDP was presented to me. Henry, there’s one thing about me, and you know, when they call…I say yes.

“Potentially (moving to middleweight), but this is the thing with me, it has to be meaningful. I am not just here to fight the fight.

“If it gets me to the title that I want, that is what I want.”

There are a number of reasons why it makes sense for Kamaru Usman to move up to middleweight

On the surface, shifting weight classes does not line up with Usman’s goal of regaining the welterweight title. But the reality is, it could be exactly what he needs.

Makhachev has no shortage of contenders lining up for a shot, and fan interest is not necessarily tipping in Usman’s favour right now.

The likes of Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates all put together impressive performances towards the end of last year. Reports have also hinted that Garry might currently be at the front of the queue.

With that situation developing and more names likely to stack up behind the Irishman soon, a move to middleweight may offer Usman a clearer path back to UFC gold.

The middleweight contender race is not exactly packed with established names. Sean Strickland managed to get back in title discussions with just one win after his defeat to Du Plessis.

Usman looked solid against ‘Borz’ in their 2023 bout and another strong performance at 185 could quickly make him an appealing option for Chimaev’s next title defence.