Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has outlined his vision for concluding his distinguished fighting career. In an interview with TMZ Sports, the 38-year-old Nigerian fighter expressed his desire to retire as a two-division champion, and his plans hinge on the outcome of the upcoming UFC 322 main event.
Taking place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 9, 2024, the main event features a title fight between current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena and former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Usman believes the bout is highly competitive, but he favors Makhachev’s grappling experience. He stated, “I think [the fight is] a toss-up, but I do think Islam has the grappling edge when it goes down to the ground.”
Usman, who last fought in June 2023, securing a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley, is eager to test himself against the winner of the title fight. Although there is currently no set date for his return to the Octagon, he is contemplating a path that leads him back to championship contention. “The storybook would be to go and grab this title, then go and grab the other title,” Usman shared.
The second title Usman is eyeing is in the middleweight division, currently held by Khamzat Chimaev. Usman faced Chimaev in a closely contested match, which he took on short notice, resulting in one of his four career losses. Reflecting on a potential rematch, he remarked, “I think that’s an intriguing fight. That’s a compelling fight that everybody would want to see on a full training camp to go out and challenge him.”
As Usman looks toward the possibility of becoming a two-division champion, he recognizes that achieving this feat would be a significant milestone in his career. He emphasized, “Go out and get that. And at that point, then you look back and go, ‘Oh, what else is there to do?’”
Ultimately, Usman’s aspirations are not just about titles; they are also about solidifying his legacy in the sport. With a career marked by resilience and determination, he aims to leave a lasting impact on the UFC landscape before hanging up his gloves for good. As the UFC prepares for another thrilling event at Madison Square Garden, fans eagerly await to see how Usman’s ambitions will unfold in the coming months.
