Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is determined to regain his title, but he will need to earn his way back up after losing two consecutive fights against Leon Edwards. Usman is interested in facing fellow welterweight Khamzat Chimaev as a big-name contender fight, but one-time light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith is unsure if it would be a favorable matchup for Usman. Chimaev’s future in terms of which weight class he will fight in is still uncertain after his massive weight miss at UFC 279, which led to a card shake-up.

UFC President Dana White plans for Chimaev to move back up to 185 pounds following the turmoil. However, if Usman decides to follow Chimaev up a division, that would present a possible stay for Chimaev at welterweight, with both fighters interested in a possible matchup. Smith is curious about the reason for Chimaev’s extended absence from fights and believes there may be something going on behind the scenes. As for Usman vs. Chimaev, fans are split on whether they want to see the matchup and whether it should take place at welterweight or middleweight.