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Kamaru Usman Agrees With Islam Makhachev’s UFC 336 Decision

Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has publicly backed Islam Makhachev for choosing not to compete at UFC 336. Makhachev had been scheduled to face Carlos Prates, but his withdrawal prompted the organization to arrange an interim title fight between Prates and Michael Morales instead.

While many observers have criticized the champion for avoiding the matchup, Usman argued on the Pound 4 Pound podcast that the division currently lacks a challenger with sufficient star power to headline a numbered event. Usman believes the upcoming bout between Prates and Morales is a high-stakes contest that will determine the next legitimate contender for the undisputed championship.

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