Here’s a bold statement: Kamaru Usman’s push for a UFC title shot is raising more than a few eyebrows, and Sean Brady isn’t holding back his thoughts. But here’s where it gets controversial—Brady is calling 'bullsh*t' on the idea that Usman deserves to be in the title conversation at all. Let’s break it down.
Usman, with a record of 21-4 in MMA (16-3 in the UFC), recently snapped a three-fight losing streak by defeating Joaquin Buckley in June. Despite this win, Brady questions why Usman is being considered for a title shot when other top contenders like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Ian Machado Garry are coming off impressive victories. Even UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev seems open to the idea of facing Usman next, which has left many scratching their heads.
And this is the part most people miss—Brady, who suffered a knockout loss to Morales at UFC 322, isn’t just criticizing Usman; he’s also challenging the entire narrative. On his 'BradyBagz Show,' Brady bluntly stated, 'First of all, the least deserving of it is Kamaru Usman. I don’t know how they’re angling this, trying to push him to the title. Mutual friendship, same manager. I understand what they’re trying to do, but that’s bullsh*t.'
Brady’s argument is clear: Usman’s recent win over Buckley doesn’t outweigh his previous three losses. He believes Morales, who remains undefeated at 19-0 and just knocked him out, is the most deserving contender. Prates, in Brady’s view, is the second-most deserving, while Shavkat Rakhmonov needs to re-enter the race after being sidelined.
When it comes to a potential Usman vs. Makhachev matchup, Brady is unequivocal: 'I think Islam is going to run through him.' He sees Morales as the toughest challenge for Makhachev, given his size and strength, and believes Prates would be easily taken down by the champion. As for Usman? Brady suggests he should face Rakhmonov instead.
Here’s the controversial question: Is the UFC prioritizing relationships and marketability over merit when it comes to title shots? Brady certainly thinks so, and he’s not afraid to say it. What do you think? Is Usman’s title shot justified, or is Brady onto something? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
