Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is still the number one ranked fighter in his division, despite suffering two consecutive losses against Leon Edwards.
However, he seems to be lacking a valid opponent to compete against. Champion Leon Edwards will put the belt at stake against Colby Covington next.
Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev, whom Kamaru Usman was calling out, is now scheduled to fight Paulo Costa next.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman revealed to TMZ that he is willing to return to the cage this year in the fall. However, he declined to be a backup fighter for Edwards vs Covington.
Kamaru Usman boasted his achievements in the UFC as a justification for why he declined to move up and face Khamzat Chimaev at 185 lbs and be a backup fighter for Edwards vs Covington.
The only fight that Usman labeled sensible for him is Stephen Thompson.
The former UFC champ said, “The only guy to be honest that makes sense right now is ‘Wonderboy’ [Stephen Thompson]. Because he needs an opponent. Wonderboy, he has been around for so long and he is just that name to where it is always a great fight.”
Leon Edwards headkicked Kamaru Usman and knocked the welterweight title out of him at UFC 278
“His style is very very difficult to fight. And you know he is just one of those names that I never really got to fight in my era.”
Stephen Thompson is currently 7th ranked welterweight fighter. Above him, Belal Muhammad sits at rank 3, Gilbert Burns at 5, and Shavkat Rakhmonov at 6. Usman didn’t mention any of those names.
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When Can Kamaru Usman Compete For The Welterweight Title Again?
Kamaru Usman lost his title after getting hit by a head-kick KO from Leon Edwards at UFC 278. He failed to re-claim the belt at UFC 286 as Edwards won the rematch via decision.
While Dana White has confirmed Colby Covington to be the next title challenger, an official fight date is yet to be announced. Hence, Kamaru Usman shall have to wait and especially win his next fight at any cost.
He is still the next fighter after champion Edwards at 170 lbs. So, the third title shot of his UFC career doesn’t seem far away.
