Usman will move up to middleweight for the first time in his career after it was announced he will fight Khamzat Chimaev in a blockbuster co-main event at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21.

Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, Nigeria, UFC, MMA — Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya could clash in the UFC Middleweight division if The Nigerian Nightmare wins his next fight. Photo by Mike Roach
Source: Getty Images

According to Eurosport, The Nigerian Nightmare was drafted in after Paulo Costa, who was due to fight Chimaev in the co-main event, pulled out of the fight following an elbow injury.

Former welterweight champion Usman, with a record of 20 wins and three defeats, will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats to Leon Edwards.

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Chimaev, on the other hand, holds a 12-0 record but has not fought since beating Kevin Holland in September 2022.

Usman vs Adesanya is still a possibility

Meanwhile, Adesanya could be Usman’s next opponent if the Nigerian-born star succeeds in defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21.

According to Sportskeeda, Dana White disclosed that the winner of the Chimaev vs. Usman fight would likely face either Sean Strickland or Adesanya for the middleweight title next.

Strickland and Adesanya could be in for a rematch after the reigning middleweight champion upset the Stylebender by unanimous decision in a UFC 293 headliner at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

Fans want Usman in middleweight

Sports Brief previously reported on Strickland battling Adesanya in a rematch for the title, but some fans believe he should take on another Nigerian.

The American claimed the Middleweight title against The Last Stylebender in UFC 293's main event by unanimous decision after five strong rounds.

MMA fans took to social media after the surprise result to suggest that 'The Nigerian Nightmare', Kamaru Usman steps up to take on Strickland.

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