Current number one in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, Kamaru Usman has won stiff competition in recent weeks, with successful title defenses from featherweight (66kg) and middleweight champions Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya. (84 kg), in question. number 276, July 2. Despite everything, the Nigerian – current holder of the UFC welterweight belt (77 kg) – maintains the confidence he deserves to be at the top of the ranking of the best athletes of the organization, whatever the category.

At America’s ‘ESPN’, Usman preached respect to contestants, but said a level above them. For the welterweight king, his higher frequency of fights per year and the way he has beaten opponents, with outstanding performances, serve to separate him from the rest of the league’s top stars. Still, the Nigerian acknowledged the value of other champions and admitted that the difference is small between them.

“Not every pound-for-pound fighter in the world can walk into the Octagon three times a year and deliver – not just spectacular performances – but three huge performances. And if you don’t believe me, you can ask the company that were the combined numbers of those three fights. It’s not just about being able to get in there and do it, but do it spectacularly. And I think right now I’m the best at this field, even if it’s a very slim margin. You know, I love all these guys. Volkanovski is amazing, I love him. Izzy too. All of them are my partners,” Kamaru reflected.

Winner of the 21st season of reality show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, Kamaru Usman made his UFC debut in 2016 and remains undefeated in the organization after 15 fights. The Nigerian won the welterweight belt in 2019, beating then-champion Tyron Woodley, and already has five successful title defenses to his name. The dominance displayed by the African in the division is already drawing comparisons with Canadian Georges St-Pierre, until then considered by many to be the biggest name in the category in history.