UFC: Kamaru Usman weighs options for next fight – ‘These guys have got to step up,’ says welterweight champion
- UFC welterweight champion has already beaten most of his division’s top contenders – some of them twice
- Champ sees Leon Edwards and Vicente Luque as viable opponents, but encourages contenders to ‘step up’
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has become such a dominant force that he is already on the verge of clearing out his division.
Usman, 34, fought in the main event of UFC 268 last Saturday in New York, defeating a tough Colby Covington by unanimous decision.
The victory pushed the champion onto a 19-fight win streak – a run that includes victories over many of his division’s top contenders, including Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice), Gilbert Burns, and Leon Edwards.
Because Usman (20-1) has already beaten so many of his division‘s top contenders, it’s getting increasingly difficult to find him credible challenges. The champ himself, however, believes there are still some solid options left.
“Now, looking at the division, there are some matchups there,” Usman told UFC commentator Daniel Cormier on ESPN.
Usman seems to view Britain’s Edwards as the most deserving contender in the division at present.
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The reigning champ defeated Edwards (19-3) by decision back in 2015, but the Briton has not lost since, constructing a nine-fight unbeaten streak highlighted by wins over Vicente Luque, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Gunnar Nelson, Rafael dos Anjos, and Nate Diaz.
Edwards was slated to fight Jorge Masvidal at UFC 269, but is without an opponent after Masvidal withdrew from the card with an injury.
One way the other, Usman seems to believe the Briton is right on the precipice of a title shot.
“Leon Edwards goes out there and gets the job done, and as heated as this rivalry is with Masvidal, if he goes out there and starches Masvidal, Leon Edwards is a bona fide star,” Usman said.
“That’s a fight that has to happen. He has not lost since he fought me the first time and that’s what people are going to want to see, if he is able to go out there and really do what he is supposed to do with Masvidal.”
Usman also views Brazil’s Vicente Luque (21-7-1) as a possible title challenger. The 29-year-old is currently riding ins over Niko Price, Randy Brown, Tyron Woodley and Michael Chiesa.
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“Also, you can’t forget Vicente Luque. Vicente, he is as battle-tested as anybody, he is as fun of a fighter as anybody,” Usman said. “Vicente Luque is another exciting contender. That’s another fight that could potentially take place.”
While Usman sees Edwards and Luque as potential opponents, he encourages all of the welterweight division’s top fighters to step up and assert themselves.
“I’m just waiting for these guys to really step up,” he said. “These guys have got to step up and show the world that, ‘Hey, I’m that next guy.’ Right now, they’re kind of right there in the fold, trying to break through and I’m just gonna sit back and let these guys break through and make a case for themselves.”
