UPDATE: Kamaru Usman has just revealed his ambitious plans to retire as a two-division UFC champion, targeting the winner of this weekend’s highly anticipated UFC 322 main event. In a candid interview with TMZ Sports, the 38-year-old former welterweight champion expressed his excitement for the title fight between champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, set to take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Usman, known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” stated, “I think [the fight is] a toss-up, but I do think Islam has the grappling edge when it goes down to the ground.” This matchup is crucial for Usman, as he looks to challenge the victor and potentially reclaim his place atop the welterweight division, where he previously reigned for an impressive 3.5 years.
While there is no set timetable for Usman’s return to the Octagon, he is eager to test himself against the welterweight champion. “The storybook would be to go and grab this title, then go and grab the other title,” Usman explained. His sights are also set on the middleweight belt, currently held by Khamzat Chimaev, who handed Usman one of his four career losses in a closely contested fight that Usman took on short notice.
“I think that’s an intriguing fight,” Usman noted, highlighting the compelling nature of a rematch. “That’s a compelling fight that everybody would want to see on a full training camp to go out and challenge him.”
As Usman plans his future, fans are left buzzing with anticipation. If successful, he could become the first fighter to hold titles in two divisions, a milestone that would solidify his legacy in the sport.
With the UFC 322 main event looming, the stakes have never been higher for Usman. The outcome could set the stage for a historic chapter in his already illustrious career. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and prepare for an electrifying night of fights on Saturday!
