Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has dropped a hint over his next opponent by teasing a fight with Conor McGregor.
McGregor has been adamant about returning at 170 lbs. Usman, considered as one of greatest welterweights in history, represents a tough challenge for Conor. McGregor previously labeled Usman a “sloppy wrestler,” while Usman has claimed he offered McGregor title shots twice during his reign—offers he says the Irishman declined.
With Michael Chandler now booked against Mauricio Ruffy for the June 14 White House event, the UFC is reportedly looking for a headliner for International Fight Week on July 11, 2026. Although rumors of a McGregor vs. Charles Oliveira BMF title fight persist, the Usman matchup offers a greater legacy fight.
“I’m actually looking for a title. This is the truth. I want to focus on this fight that will happen at the White House. I’ll definitely be there. The Conor fight, I’ve already said I would do this fight. It could be at 155, at 185, it doesn’t matter, because I would definitely be for a lot of money. Or they can do a Grand Prix. Put both on the same day and let’s see what happens,” Oliveira stated
If the Usman-McGregor fight does not happen, there is talk of a potential RAF Wrestling bout with Bo Nickal. Some of the UFC’s biggest starts have already fought under the organization, with the likes of Henry Cejudo, Merab Dvalishvili and Arman Tsarukyan being some of the names. The wrestling options allows the biggest stars to remain active, whilst waiting for their next UFC fight. And after Nickal’s following words suggested a fight could be possible, Usman left the door open for that fight.
Nickal: “I was fortunate to be able to compete on the first RAF card last August. It’s pretty crazy to see how far the organization has come since then. They’re doing amazing stuff, making great matchups. You know, they threw your name out to me, so we can make it happen. I heard you were wanting to get back to your roots.”
Usman: “Oh, word?”
Cejudo: “Kamaru’s too expensive, Bo.”
Nickal: “Hey, I don’t know. They got some serious funding now. They got some deals going. That would be great for the fans. They would enjoy it.”
Usman: “Okay, maybe I need … maybe it’s a phone call. I need to make a phone call.”
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!