When Kamaru Usman eventually retires, he’s destined to be remembered as the greatest ever welterweight fighter in the history of the UFC. The Nigerian Nightmare once reigned supreme in the 170-pound division, delivering some memorable knockout performances. However, the past year proved to be a tough stretch for Usman. He lost his title, his pound-for-pound rankings, and many other things he had previously earned.
Tough Year for Kamaru Usman in the UFC
Reflecting on his remarkable career, Kamaru Usman enjoyed an incredible nine-year undefeated streak until 2022. However, things took a turn in the last year as he experienced defeat every time he stepped into the octagon.
In a recent Pay-Per-View event, we witnessed Usman facing his most recent loss, but this time in the middleweight division. It’s worth noting that he accepted the fight on short notice, just a week or so before the event. Despite the outcome, his performance was nothing short of impressive. However, the last two matches were bad for him.
In August 2022, Leon Edwards etched his name in UFC history with a sensational comeback, securing one of the greatest come-from-behind victories ever. He delivered a knockout blow to Kamaru Usman in the final minute of their welterweight title bout. Then, facing his home crowd, Edwards took on the formidable challenge of defending his title against Usman once more. This time, there were no devastating KO head kicks, and he clinched the win through a unanimous decision. Nevertheless, that loss had a significant impact on Usman’s career.”
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In just over a year, Usman has seen a shift in his career trajectory. Once holding the prestigious title of the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and a championship belt, he has now plummeted to the 13th spot. This decline mirrors the challenging period he’s currently experiencing. And now the question is will he ever become champion once again or he’ll retire soon.