This collage of photos shows former UFC star Ben Askren (left) and Kamaru Usman. — Reuters/X
Former UFC star Ben Askren believes Kamaru Usman does not deserve a title shot against the welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, saying, “I think Ian Machado Garry has earned it”.
Islam has become the two-division champion after dominating Jack Della Maddalena during a unanimous decision victory at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Immediately after his welterweight victory, Makhachev named Usman as his preferred option for his first title defence.
However, Askren believes that chances should be given to young fighters in the UFC who have earned it.
”I know I’ve had issues with him, so I don’t want to sound biased,” Askren said of Usman.
“He obviously was a champion for a long time, but it’s been a a little bit, and he’s had a few losses more recently.”
He further added that the young welterweight fighters have done enough and deserve title shots.
“The welterweight belt has changed hands a whole bunch of times,” Ben added.
“He lost to Leon. Leon lost to Belal. Belal lost to Jack Della Maddalena. JDM lost to [Makhachev] so it’s not like he lost to the last guy, and now he’s getting a rematch or something. So I feel like the newer guys at welterweight have done enough to justify title shots for themselves.”
Ben also commented on Paddy Pimblett, who will fight Justin Gaethje for an interim lightweight title, as Ilia Topuria has taken a break from the UFC due to personal reasons, saying he doesn’t deserve a title shot.
He further added that he is not a big fan of Ian Machado Garry, but the guy has earned a title shot.
“I know the ‘favorites’ card gets played sometimes in MMA and with Dana,” he said.
“You know, Paddy gets the title shot, and maybe he doesn’t totally deserve it. I like to see when the guys earn it. And I don’t love Ian Garry, but I really think he has earned it. So it’ll be interesting to see how those younger guys do in the next couple years.”