Kamaru Usman caused chaos at UFC 312, Dana White faced a major defeat
It has been over a year since former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman last fought inside the Octagon. Once a dominant champion, his confidence has now been shaken by a series of consecutive losses, including a brutal head-kick knockout from Leon Edwards, which cost him his title in a fight where he was holding his own. […]
![Kamaru Usman caused chaos at UFC 312, Dana White faced a major defeat](https://sports.pheats.site/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_6763b715ec6d0.webp)
It has been over a year since former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman last fought inside the Octagon. Once a dominant champion, his confidence has now been shaken by a series of consecutive losses, including a brutal head-kick knockout from Leon Edwards, which cost him his title in a fight where he was holding his own. The former champion, known as ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, who had once accepted fights on short notice—sometimes with only five, six, or ten days to prepare—has now spent over a year plotting his return. Despite numerous rumors over the past year and a half about his comeback, none of these rumors had materialized into an official fight announcement until now.
The Potential Matchup with Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 312
News of Kamaru Usman’s return started circulating after welterweight contender Sean Brady leaked details about the potential matchup between Usman and rising star Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia this coming February. The news was later confirmed by MMA Frenzy, adding more fuel to the excitement. At 37 years old, Usman’s comeback against a talented and young contender like Della Maddalena raised significant interest among fans. The thought of seeing the former champion back in the Octagon was thrilling, especially after such a long hiatus.
Just a few months ago, Jack Della Maddalena, a rising star in the welterweight division, shared a post on his Instagram story claiming that the fight with Usman had been verbally agreed for UFC 312. The post read, “BREAKING NEWS: Kamaru Usman vs Jack Della Maddalena has been verbally agreed for #UFC312 in Sydney, Australia.” Maddalena shared the post without any additional commentary, sparking excitement among fans. Prior to this, Maddalena, who was ranked #4 in the welterweight division, had hoped to secure a title eliminator match at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, on August 5th. However, he had to withdraw from the event due to complications from an injury sustained in his previous fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 299.
The Potential Setback for UFC 312 and Dana White
The excitement around the fight, however, was short-lived. A recent update suggests that the matchup between Usman and Della Maddalena may not be happening at UFC 312 after all. Although UFC has not made an official statement regarding the fight, Home of Fight shared news on their Instagram account, saying, “The fight between Kamaru Usman and Jack Della Maddalena does not appear to be happening at UFC 312, and it is likely that JDM will not feature on the card in Australia.” This news came as a major disappointment for fans who were looking forward to Usman’s return to action.
Usman’s Dominance and the Aftermath of His Losses
Kamaru Usman, who had once dominated the welterweight division with a 15-fight win streak, earned the nickname ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ for his reign of terror in the division. His victories over top fighters like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, and Jorge Masvidal made him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. However, the brutal loss to Leon Edwards in August 2022 shook the foundations of his dominance. While Usman was winning the fight comfortably, Edwards landed a head kick in the final minute that knocked him out cold, ending his reign as champion.
After the loss, Usman’s future became uncertain. Although many believed that his career would continue with a chance at redemption, the lack of a confirmed fight had led fans to question when—or if—he would return to the Octagon. The news of his potential fight with Della Maddalena was an exciting prospect for many, but the setback at UFC 312 leaves Dana White and the UFC with a significant problem on their hands.
What’s Next for Kamaru Usman?
As UFC 312 approaches, fans are left wondering if Usman’s return will ever materialize. The news of the potential Della Maddalena fight being canceled is a massive setback for both Usman and Dana White. Usman has shown resilience in the face of adversity, and fans are eager to see if he can bounce back from his losses and return to his former glory. However, the uncertainty surrounding his return raises questions about whether he can regain the confidence and form that made him a champion.
For Dana White, this situation presents a challenge. The UFC had hoped to showcase Usman’s comeback as a major selling point for UFC 312, but with the fight now in jeopardy, they may need to find another marquee matchup to headline the event in Sydney. The lightweight and welterweight divisions remain some of the most exciting in the sport, and UFC fans are undoubtedly hoping for clarity on Usman’s future in the promotion soon.
As it stands, Kamaru Usman’s legacy is still very much in question. Will he return to reclaim his place at the top of the welterweight division, or has the loss to Edwards signaled the end of an era for one of UFC’s most dominant champions? Fans will be eagerly awaiting answers, but for now, the future remains uncertain.