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It appears as though Kamaru Usman could be gearing up for his next fight very soon as he recently hinted that his UFC return could be imminent. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' has been linked to a few potential opponents and seems interested in regaining the welterweight championship.
The former titleholder last competed at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he lost a hard fought split decision to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. It was an impressive performance, especially considering that it was on short notice. Many even believed he should have been awarded the decision.
Since then, Usman has taken time off to heal his body and recover from some nagging injuries that he had been dealing with.
'The Nigerian Nightmare' took to his Instagram account this week and provided an optimistic update. He has been involved in a back-and-forth with Belal Muhammad on social media and, most recently, Shavkat Rakhmonov expressed interest in fighting him for an interim welterweight title after 'Remember The Name' was forced to withdraw from UFC 310.
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Usman posted a photo of himself doing pad work with his coach, along with a caption hinting at an imminent return to the octagon:
"Troublemaker! I soon come"
Check out Kamaru Usman's Instagram post below:
Is Kamaru Usman replacing Belal Muhammad at UFC 310?
There has been plenty of speculation as to what the matchmakers have planned for UFC 310 after their initially scheduled main event between Shavkat Rakhmonov and welterweight champion Belal Muhammad fell through.
If they do go the interim title route, it would ensure that Rakhmonov remains on the card and a welterweight title fight headlines the event.
During his recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Rakhmonov expressed interest in remaining on the card in an interim welterweight title fight and claimed that Kamaru Usman was interested in replacing Muhammad:
"I'm ready to save the card too, if it's for the interim [welterweight] belt. And I believe [Kamaru] Usman is also probably ready to jump in and face me."
Check out Rakhmonov's comments regarding a potential bout against Usman below:
