Usman keen on UFC return, admits retirement near News

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Usman keen on UFC return, admits retirement near

By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 18, 2024

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is eyeing a return to the octagon despite acknowledging that he is nearing retirement, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 37-year-old Nigerian-born fighter, who has been out of action since his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 last year, expressed his desire to compete again during a recent appearance on The Anik & Florian Podcast.

Usman, who is currently on a three-fight losing streak, indicated his preference for a return to the welterweight division but remained open to middleweight opportunities.

“It’s an interesting sport. I’ve never been in a sport like this. For me, I made my career being a welterweight…. But, for the right fight, middleweight makes sense,” Usman said.

“I know I’m at the tail end, let me finish the career the right way and then decide what else I want to do,” Usman stated. “So, I’m just getting healthy right now… Oh yes, (I’ll face one of them next).”

The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ has had an illustrious career in the UFC since his debut in 2015. He won his first nine fights in the promotion before claiming the welterweight title from Tyron Woodley in 2019.

Usman went on to defend his title five times against high-profile opponents such as Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns.

However, his reign came to an end in 2022 when he suffered a knockout loss to Leon Edwards, whom he had previously defeated in 2015. He then lost two more fights in 2023, including a rematch against Edwards and his middleweight debut against Chimaev.

Despite his recent setbacks, Usman’s career achievements remain impressive. He holds the record for most wins in UFC welterweight history and is widely regarded as one of the best fighters of his generation.

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 18, 2024