Kamaru Usman: The Nigerian Nightmare
Introduction
Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights of all time, and is currently ranked #2 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. Usman is known for his dominant wrestling, relentless pressure, and powerful striking. He has a professional record of 20-4-0, with 15 of his wins coming by knockout or technical knockout.
Fighting History
Usman began his professional MMA career in 2012, and quickly rose through the ranks with a series of impressive victories. He made his UFC debut in 2015, and won the welterweight title in 2019. He went on to defend the title five times, before losing to Leon Edwards in August 2023.
Technique
Usman is a wrestler by trade, and his wrestling is the foundation of his game. He is incredibly skilled at taking down his opponents and maintaining top control. Once on top, Usman is relentless in his ground and pound, and he often finishes his opponents with strikes from above.
In addition to his wrestling, Usman is also a skilled striker. He has a powerful right hand, and he is very good at using his kicks to keep his opponents at bay. Usman is also very good at defending takedowns, and he is able to transition from striking to wrestling seamlessly.
Famous Matches
Usman has had many memorable matches throughout his career, but some of his most notable victories have come in Las Vegas. In 2019, he defeated Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 to win the welterweight title. In 2020, he defended the title against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251, in a fight that was widely regarded as one of the best of the year. And in 2021, he defeated Colby Covington at UFC 268, in a rematch of their 2019 fight.
UFC 235: Usman vs. Woodley
Usman’s victory over Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 was a watershed moment in his career. Woodley was the reigning welterweight champion at the time, and he was widely considered to be one of the best welterweights of all time. Usman, however, was able to defeat Woodley by unanimous decision, in a dominant performance.
Usman started the fight by pressuring Woodley with his wrestling and striking. He was able to take down Woodley several times, and he landed some significant strikes from above. Woodley was able to defend himself well, but Usman was simply too much for him. In the end, Usman won the fight by unanimous decision, and he was crowned the new welterweight champion.
UFC 251: Usman vs. Masvidal
Usman’s victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 was one of the most anticipated fights of the year. Masvidal was on a five-fight winning streak, and he was coming off of a stunning knockout victory over Ben Askren. Usman, however, was the defending welterweight champion, and he was determined to retain his title.
The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments. However, Usman was able to control the fight with his wrestling and pressure. He was able to take down Masvidal several times, and he landed some significant strikes from above. In the end, Usman won the fight by unanimous decision, and he successfully defended his welterweight title.
UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2
Usman’s victory over Colby Covington at UFC 268 was a rematch of their 2019 fight. Covington was one of the few fighters who had been able to give Usman a tough fight, and he was determined to defeat Usman and win the welterweight title.
The fight was a close and competitive affair, but Usman was able to edge out Covington by unanimous decision. Usman used his wrestling and pressure to control the fight, and he was able to land some significant strikes from above. Covington was able to defend himself well, but Usman was simply too much for him in the end.
Conclusion
Kamaru Usman is one of the greatest welterweights of all time. He is a dominant wrestler, a skilled striker, and a relentless competitor. He has had many memorable matches throughout his career, but some of his most notable victories have come in Las Vegas. Usman is a true UFC superstar, and he is sure to continue to entertain fans for years to come.
