Kamaru Usman, a name synonymous with welterweight dominance, is setting his sights on an ambition that would etch his legacy deeper into the annals of UFC history: becoming a two-division champion before hanging up his gloves. It`s a goal that speaks volumes about his competitive spirit, even as his illustrious career approaches its twilight.
An Audacious Plan for a Storied Career
For years, Kamaru Usman reigned supreme over the UFC`s welterweight division, defending his title five times with a suffocating, relentless style that earned him the moniker “The Nigerian Nightmare.” His seemingly impenetrable reign, however, met its end in a dramatic fashion against Leon Edwards, followed by a subsequent decision loss in their rematch. A further venture into the middleweight division saw him face the formidable Khamzat Chimaev, resulting in a narrow majority decision defeat. Yet, rather than dimming his ambition, these recent challenges seem to have ignited an even brighter flame.
Usman has now unveiled a definitive roadmap for the remainder of his fighting journey, one that is as ambitious as it is audacious. His dream scenario? To reclaim the welterweight title, then, with that goal accomplished, ascend to the middleweight division to capture a second championship belt before riding off into the sunset of retirement. It’s a bold declaration, particularly from a fighter who has already accomplished so much.
“At this part of my career, the dream scenario is: next fight, win the welterweight title, vacate, win the middleweight title, retire. Just, ‘Boom, boom — one, two.’ And then you’re done. You can’t top that. It’s like, what else do I want out of this?” Usman articulated, laying bare his ultimate vision.
Joining the Elite Club: The Two-Division Champions
The pursuit of dual championships is a rare feat in the UFC, a challenge only a select few have conquered. It’s a club that includes luminaries such as Conor McGregor, who famously became the first simultaneous two-division champion, and more recently, Alex Pereira, who rapidly claimed titles in two different weight classes. For Usman, replicating this success isn`t just about collecting more hardware; it`s about solidifying his place among the all-time greats, a final, emphatic statement on a career defined by relentless pursuit of excellence.
The transition from welterweight (170 lbs) to middleweight (185 lbs) is significant, demanding adjustments in strategy, power, and speed. While Usman has traditionally competed at welterweight, his past collegiate wrestling career saw him compete at higher weights, suggesting a natural comfort with larger frames. However, the elite of the UFC middleweight division presents a unique set of challenges.
The Middleweight Proving Ground: A Close Call with Chimaev
Usman’s first official foray into the middleweight division provided compelling evidence for his potential in the heavier weight class. Stepping in on short notice to face the undefeated and highly touted Khamzat Chimaev, Usman delivered a performance that surprised many. Despite the majority decision loss, he pushed Chimaev to his absolute limits, a feat few others have managed. Many observers credited Usman with exposing vulnerabilities in Chimaev`s game and proved that the “Nigerian Nightmare” could hang with the best at 185 pounds.
That encounter, albeit a loss on his record, served as a crucial data point. It demonstrated not only Usman`s willingness to face any challenge, regardless of weight class or opponent pedigree, but also his genuine capability to compete effectively at middleweight. It was a baptism by fire that, ironically, seems to have fueled his middleweight aspirations rather than extinguished them.
The Road Ahead: Reclaiming the Throne and Conquering New Territory
Before any middleweight dreams can materialize, Usman must first navigate the formidable landscape of the welterweight division. Reclaiming the title he once held with an iron grip is no small task. The division has evolved, and the path back to the top is fraught with hungry contenders. Should he succeed, vacating the belt to chase another would be an unprecedented move for a fighter of his stature, adding another layer of intrigue to his narrative.
This “one, two, done” strategy is more than just a fight plan; it`s a testament to a fighter seeking the perfect crescendo to a magnificent career. It`s about ending on his own terms, with the ultimate testament to his skill and determination: dual championship gold. The combat sports world will undoubtedly watch with bated breath as Kamaru Usman embarks on this final, ambitious chapter, a quest to prove once more why he is truly a nightmare for anyone standing in his way.
