Kamaru Usman has outlined ambitious goals he aims to achieve before concluding his illustrious career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Earlier this year, Usman made a triumphant return to the Octagon, successfully ending a three-fight losing streak in a significant main event. His decisive victory over Joaquin Buckley, a formidable contender, has firmly positioned the former welterweight champion for potential future title contention.
Beyond prospective matchups, including a possible clash with stablemate Islam Makhachev, the Nigerian-American fighter is intently focused on fulfilling another historic milestone in the near future.
Kamaru Usman Aims for Second UFC Title
Since the rise of megastar Conor McGregor in 2016, who became the promotion’s first fighter to simultaneously hold two championship belts, numerous other Octagon stars have sought to replicate this immense success. Notable examples include Ilia Topuria and the recent UFC 320 victor, Alex Pereira.
Now, Usman, once considered the pound-for-pound best, has revealed his strategic plans to move to the middleweight division. His goal is to pursue a second UFC title and potentially secure a highly anticipated rematch with a currently undefeated opponent.
“At this stage of my career, the ultimate dream scenario involves winning the welterweight title in my next fight, vacating it, then capturing the middleweight title, and subsequently retiring,” Usman stated. “It would be a definitive `one-two punch.` After that, there`s nothing more to achieve. What else could I possibly want?”
Recalling Usman`s Close Encounter with Khamzat Chimaev
Usman is widely recognized for having pushed current middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev to his absolute limit, arguably presenting the greatest challenge to his undefeated streak in the Octagon.
Two years ago, Usman stepped in on short notice for an impromptu middleweight bout against the unbeaten Chimaev, after Paulo Costa withdrew due to injury. Despite ultimately losing a close majority decision, Usman`s performance remains highly notable as the closest anyone has come to defeating Chimaev in the promotion, further solidifying his reputation as a truly formidable opponent.