In the high-stakes theater of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where legacies are forged and shattered with equal ferocity, a former pound-for-pound king has laid out a blueprint for an exit as audacious as his reign was dominant. Kamaru Usman, once the undisputed welterweight champion with an unblemished record in the UFC, has declared a final, two-part mission: reclaim his lost throne, then ascend to middleweight to seize a second divisional title, before finally walking away from the Octagon.
This isn`t merely a fighter articulating a long-held dream; it`s a seasoned veteran, currently navigating the unfamiliar territory of a three-fight losing streak, proposing a career finale that would cement his name in the pantheon of MMA legends. It`s an ambition that evokes shades of Conor McGregor`s historic dual-title feat, yet with a unique “Nigerian Nightmare” twist.
The Grand Design: Reclaim, Conquer, Retire
Usman`s vision is remarkably precise, almost poetic in its finality. Speaking recently, he articulated his endgame with clarity:
- Win the welterweight title.
- Vacate the welterweight title.
- Win the middleweight title.
- Retire.
“Just, ‘Boom, boom — one, two.’ And then you’re done. You can’t top that,” Usman stated, encapsulating the definitive nature of his proposed exit. This isn`t about holding two belts simultaneously, a logistical nightmare the UFC rarely encourages, but about achieving undisputed supremacy across two divisions sequentially, a testament to versatility and sustained excellence.
Navigating the Storm: A Legend at a Crossroads
The road to this envisioned glory is, however, fraught with formidable challenges. Usman`s recent fight history has been a stark departure from his near-flawless prime. After a historic run that saw him defend the welterweight belt five times, he suffered back-to-back defeats to Leon Edwards, losing his title in a dramatic knockout and failing to reclaim it in a hard-fought rematch. His subsequent foray into the middleweight division against the undefeated phenomenon Khamzat Chimaev, a fight taken on short notice, also resulted in a majority decision loss. To propose such a definitive, title-laden farewell after these recent setbacks is not merely ambitious; it borders on the heroic.
Yet, it is precisely that encounter with Chimaev that seems to fuel Usman`s middleweight aspirations. Despite the loss, many observers, and perhaps Usman himself, felt he pushed “Borz” to his absolute limit, showcasing his ability to compete effectively against larger, top-tier opponents. An “almost win” against one of the sport`s most hyped contenders, it seems, can be a powerful motivator.
The McGregor Shadow and a Unique Legacy
The notion of becoming a two-division champion in the UFC carries immense prestige, a feat first achieved with simultaneous belts by Conor McGregor in 2016. Since then, a select few, including most recently Alex Pereira, have joined this elite club. For Usman, replicating the spirit of this accomplishment, even with the strategic choice to vacate the first belt, would underscore his claim as one of the greatest to ever compete.
His path, if successful, would be distinct. It would demonstrate not just the ability to dominate two weight classes, but also the strategic acumen to manage a career transition towards an ultimate, conclusive statement. It removes the logistical complexities of reigning over two divisions simultaneously, focusing instead on the singular achievement of earning both.
The Uncharted Waters Ahead
For this grand plan to materialize, Usman faces an uphill battle. The welterweight division is a shark tank, with Leon Edwards firmly entrenched as champion and a queue of dangerous contenders like Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov vying for supremacy. Should he navigate this gauntlet, the middleweight division presents its own set of formidable obstacles, including reigning champion Dricus du Plessis, former king Sean Strickland, and the ever-present shadow of a potential rematch with Chimaev. To conquer both divisions would require a performance renaissance nothing short of miraculous.
Kamaru Usman’s proposed endgame is more than just a declaration of intent; it`s a challenge to fate, a testament to an athlete`s unyielding belief in his own capabilities, even when the immediate past suggests a different trajectory. Whether he achieves this audacious double-gold retirement or not, his willingness to chase such a demanding final chapter ensures that “The Nigerian Nightmare`s” twilight years will be anything but quiet.
Gareth Fenton