Kamaru Usman Says He’s Nonetheless the Greatest Welterweight Fighter within the UFC Forward of His Combat In opposition to Buckley

Kamaru Usman may be on a three-fight shedding streak, however the former UFC welterweight champion just isn’t hiding from the limelight. Going into his subsequent struggle towards No. 7-rated Joaquin Buckley, the “Nigerian Nightmare” is breaking his silence—and he is letting everybody know that he nonetheless thinks he is the world’s greatest 170-pounder.

Even after falling to No. 5 within the division, Usman feels his resume, expertise, and talents surpass these of any at present lively welterweight on the UFC roster.

Usman’s Losing Streak Doesn’t Tell the Full Story

Usman’s confidence is taking pictures up regardless of his shedding streak. He’s solely proving that his losses are simply numbers by saying that he is “better than everyone ahead of him,” in accordance with TMZ Sports.

Usman’s current run consists of three straight losses, however the context is vital. In August 2022, he misplaced his title to Leon Edwards through a last-minute head kick in a struggle he was successful on the scorecards. Their rematch seven months later resulted in a detailed determination loss. Then, in October 2023, Usman moved as much as middleweight on simply 10 days’ discover to face undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, finally dropping one other determination.

Each of these setbacks occurred beneath completely different circumstances, and none have been resounding defeats.

UFC Return: Usman vs. Buckley to Challenge the Former Champ

Usman returns this weekend to check rising star Joaquin Buckley, a 31-year-old fighter on a six-fight successful streak that features wins over the likes of Colby Covington, Vicente Luque, and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.

“Joaquin is very, very aggressive. Younger, hungry, tough dude. Very, very explosive. Aggressive. And he is pretty well-rounded,” Kamaru advised the publication.

While Usman acknowledges Buckley’s momentum, he additionally sees it as a chance to remind followers and UFC brass of his championship pedigree.

“It’s my job to go in there and just kind of let him know that, ‘You’re doing a good thing, but you know you’re just not there yet.”

Does a Victory Over Buckley Entitle You to a Title Shot?

Usman thinks so. He believes a convincing victory, notably a end, ought to place him on the prime of the checklist for a chance on the welterweight title.

The Nigerian-American combined martial artist added that if folks look carefully on the division and scenario within the UFC, he is nonetheless the most important at welterweight.

Usman careworn that title recognition, efficiency file, and worldwide attraction rely in matchmaking, and he feels these are on his facet.

Can Usman Take Back His Throne?

Despite Usman’s critics citing age and previous losses, the previous champion just isn’t listening to it. He’s peaceable, concentrated, and decided to show the MMA world flawed: his reign is not ending; it is merely in recess.

By Saturday night, Kamaru Usman was prepared to show issues round. And if he fights properly, like his instinct, the trail to reclaiming the title would possibly begin with a press release win.