)
Nigerian Nightmare Kamaru Usman opens the door to fight new UFC Champion Belal Muhammad next.
Leon Edwards' nearly two-year title reign came to an end at UFC 304 when Belal Muhammad defeated the champion via unanimous decision.
)
08:00 - 28.07.2024
UFC 304: Belal Muhammad beats Leon Edwards to become welterweight champion, opens door for Kamaru Usman
Belal Muhammad is now the welterweight champion after he beat Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in Manchester, Kamaru Usman is expected to return as the challenger.
Many people are left wondering who the next opponent in line is to take on the recently crowned Muhammad, because an instant rematch appears to be out of the question.
)
17:59 - 06.04.2023
UFC Belal Muhammad vows to starch Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman has been called out for a mega fight against Belal Muhammad.
Possible opponents for Muhammad's first championship defense include Shavkat Rakhmonov, Jack Della Maddalena, and Ian Machado Garry, who is ranked seventh.
But former champion Kamaru Usman, who maintains his position atop the welterweight rankings after suffering three straight defeats, is adding his name to
)
Usman lost his title to previous opponent Edwards at UFC 278 via head kick after going years without losing in the UFC. A month later, at UFC 286, he lost again, this time via decision.
When Usman unexpectedly moved up to 185 pounds to take on fierce challenger Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 is when we last saw him.
Even though Usman was defeated that evening by a vote, "The Nigerian Nightmare" showed everyone he remained a formidable opponent.
)
Prior to taking on Muhammad, Usman says he would like to, but the 37-year-old says he wouldn't mind competing for the title his next time out.
Usman on UFC return
He recently stated that he is taking a sabbatical from Mixed Martial Arts.
)
Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast, he said, "You want the 'Nigerian Nightmare' Kamaru Usman? Give me ample time to get in there at end of the year, top of next year.
"I'll go in there, and I could take my welterweight strap back 100%.
)
Of course, one might argue that Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is undefeated, or Jack Della Maddaelena, who is 7-0 in the UFC, are more deserving of the championship chance than Usman.
Usman feels that his body of performance at 170 pounds, which included five successful championship defenses, has been lost over time, regardless of the circumstances.
Related content
)
10:35 - 10.09.2023
Israel Adesanya vs Strickland: 3 reasons why Stylebender lost at UFC 293
Du Plessis pulling out, China and Australia baggage, Here are 3 reasons why Israel Adesany lost to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293.
)
12:15 - 10.09.2023
I hate losing - Israel Adesanya shows black eye after defeat to Sean Strickland
Israel Adesanya shows black eye after defeat to Sean Strickland, wants to be with family and friends.
)
15:30 - 20.07.2023
Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC Champion blasts 'Bit*h' Dricus Du Plessis for pulling out of UFC 293
After calling him a 'Nigg*r' Nigerian UFC Champion Israel Adesanya blasts 'Bitch' Dricus Du Plessis for pulling out of UFC 293.
)
12:15 - 17.07.2023
Israel Adesanya: Nigeria's UFC champion details 'Pain is my friend' and protecting heritage against Dricus du Plessis
Nigeria's UFC champion Israel Adesanya details racism and why 'Pain is my friend' along with protecting heritage against Dricus du Plessis
)
08:00 - 13.07.2023
Israel Adesanya vs Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook founder chokes Nigeria's UFC champion in new photos
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg chokes Nigeria's UFC champion Israel Adesanya in new photos.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)