The one-time welterweight title challenger believes that while potentially facing Leon Edwards (#3) excites him, the Brit – enjoying a 10-fight unbeaten streak – is more deserving of the next title shot against Kamaru Usman by virtue of principle, rather than Colby Covington (#1). Continue reading
Tag: Kamaru Usman
UFC 264: Stephen Thompson believes he is Kamaru Usman’s worst matchup
Ahead of his pivotal co-main event matchup vs. a fellow former welterweight title challenger in Gilbert Burns (#2) this coming weekend, Stephen Thompson (#4) feels like he’s currently the freshest and most tough matchup for reigning champion Kamaru Usman. While still going strong at 38, will Wonderboy earn a third crack at UFC gold before his fighting days are over?
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UFC 263: Leon Edwards eyeing big weekend win over Nate Diaz
After enduring a forgettable return in mid-March, can the welterweight contender cement his standing as a top dog gunning for a Kamaru Usman rematch against a true fan favourite? Continue reading
Kamaru Usman eyeing UFC 263 return, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is itching for more activity and wants to make the fifth defence of his 170-lb strap at UFC 263, on what would be another stacked card with three title fights, per an ESPN interview with his manager Ali Abdelaziz. While promoter Dana White said a Colby Covington rematch is next, they’re targeting others like Michael Chiesa (#7) instead.
UFC 261: Post-fight presser comments as Shevchenko, Namajunas and Usman talk
Promoter Dana White confirmed that UFC Africa is more than just a fantasy after all, a dominant Valentina Shevchenko spoke about next steps in her division as well as a possible Amanda Nunes trilogy, while Rose Namajunas – rematch aside – is eyeing a few possible contenders and reigning champion Kamaru Usman continues to see the fruits of his labour at welterweight. Continue reading
UFC 261: Kamaru Usman knocks out Jorge Masvidal, retains welterweight strap
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman vowed to produce a better display in their rematch and did exactly that: being the first to KO Jorge Masvidal (#4), retaining his 170lb strap for the fourth time with a devastating right-hand. Beforehand, Rose Namajunas made history becoming a two-time champion while Valentina Shevchenko completed another dominant title defence.
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Kamaru Usman: Jorge Masvidal win left me unsatisfied, why I called for UFC 261 rematch
Ahead of his fourth welterweight title defence this weekend against Jorge Masvidal on a stacked UFC 261 card, Kamaru Usman (18-1 MMA, 13-0 UFC) has vowed to break the #3 divisional contender while saying 170-lb challengers aren’t exciting him – hinting that he may retire if he gets to a point where the landscape doesn’t motivate the same way anymore. Continue reading
UFC 260: Ngannou wants more activity, targets July-August for Jon Jones fight
Newly crowned champion Francis Ngannou had plenty to say at the post-fight press conference, from reflecting on his arduous journey to world title gold in an unforgettable rematch, if there should be a Stipe Miocic trilogy, to when he’ll be ready for his first defence against Jon Jones. Continue reading
UFC 260: Francis Ngannou knocks out Stipe Miocic, is new heavyweight champion
Francis Ngannou (#1) showed the requisite adjustments, was measured and importantly picked his moments methodically before dethroning Stipe Miocic during their main event rematch with a devastating second-round knockout – becoming the UFC’s new heavyweight champion.
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UFC 261: Usman-Masvidal 2 set to headline full crowd PPV in Jacksonville
Kamaru Usman will make the fourth defence of his welterweight strap against #4 ranked Jorge Masvidal, headlining next month’s UFC 261 PPV with three title fights – Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili the other champions scheduled for title defences. Set to be held at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, it’ll be the first event with fans since UFC 248 on March 7 last year. Continue reading
Belal Muhammad up next this weekend, Leon Edwards targeting overdue title shot
A year ago this weekend, welterweight contender Leon Edwards (#3) had his highly-anticipated matchup against former champion Tyron Woodley cancelled due to the rapidly-changing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been 600 days since his last walk to the Octagon but with short-notice opponent Belal Muhammad stepping up, he targets a big return in Saturday’s main event. Continue reading
UFC 258: Kamaru Usman earns R3 TKO vs. Gilbert Burns, retains welterweight title
Kamaru Usman responded emphatically to Gilbert Burns’ rapid start, surpassing George St-Pierre for the longest divisional streak of all-time (13) with the third defence of his welterweight title, blasting his former training partner to pieces in the main event. Before, there were big wins for Kelvin Gastelum and flyweight Alexa Grasso, who excelled during the night’s co-main.
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