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Kamaru Usman's explosive reign as welterweight champion continues after UFC 268. Now, many are wondering who is next. The champion recently took Colby Covington to a unanimous decision defeat and earned a fifth consecutive title defense. The win was made bigger by the fact that it was inside the famed Madison Square Garden venue.
With notable victories against Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Burns, and Leon Edwards, many are coming to the realization that Kamaru Usman is lapping the welterweight division. The division is under a new reign of dominance with 'The Nigerian Nightmare' that has not been seen since the era of Georges St-Pierre.
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As the current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the UFC roster and with impeccable takedown defense to boot, who could usurp the crown and take control of the welterweight division? Take a look at five fighters who could prove to be a threat to Kamaru Usman and his reign over 170-pounds.
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5. Vicente Luque
With a four-fight winning streak intact, Vicente Luque was almost the backup fighter for the UFC 268 main event between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman. However, 'The Silent Assassin' failed to make championship weight by over two pounds.
Regardless of the weight mishap, if given the appropriate amount of time to prepare, surely Vicente Luque poses a serious danger to Kamaru Usman. Luque is a born-finisher. Out of his twenty-one wins, Luque has only needed the judge's determination on one occasion. With eleven knockouts and nine submission victories, Luque is dangerous.
In fact, the only time Kamaru Usman has tasted defeat was due to a rear naked choke submission early in his career. While compiling his recent streak of wins, the Brazilian managed to snatch the neck of former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and ended the fight with a D'Arce choke.
The 29-year-old underlined his finishing potential in his most recent outing against Michael Chiesa. Known for his grappling prowess, many thought pre-fight that if anyone were to score a submission it would be Chiesa. Vicente Luque proved his submission game is on another level. With two consecutive submission finishes, Vicente Luque presents a credible threat to Kamaru Usman and his title.
#4. Leon Edwards
Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards have a history, as the two fought in 2015. Usman dominated the rounds by drawing on his wrestling base. A rematch over five years in the making would make sense given the dominance 'Rocky' has displayed since losing to Usman.
The 30-year-old has amassed a nine-fight unbeaten streak and recently earned a unanimous decision victory against Nate Diaz. Stockton's Diaz returned after an almost 2-year layoff. During the UFC 263 fight, Edwards endured a moment of vulnerability in the fifth round after Diaz rocked and wobbbled him. Edwards' striking was undersold that night despite a great showing.
Edwards' boxing inside the octagon is systematic and could pose a legitimate threat to Kamaru Usman's reign. With stellar takedown defense and lasting cardio, Edwards has quietly worked through most of the welterweight division. En route to his marquee fight against 209's finest, Edwards proved his worthiness for gold with statement wins over Donald Cerrone and Rafael dos Anjos.
Leon Edwards has proven he's a legitimate challenger for Usman despite their initial encounter. Since both UFC fighters have evolved drastically, the fight will be decidedly different. A 9-fight unbeaten streak is hard to ignore as the No. 3-ranked welterweight in the UFC. Edwards' standup skills, alongside his takedown defense, could serve as a solid challenge for the champion.
#3. Stephen Thompson
With the amount of repeat opponents Kamaru Usman has faced, fresh blood and a unique skillset could be the champion's kyrptonite. Equipped with a mobile karate base, Stephen Thompson is extremely crafty inside the bounds of the UFC cage.
Even at 38-years-old Stephen Thompson's movement appears to still be on point and could give Kamaru Usman fits. While he suffered a defeat to former title challenger Gilbert Burns, Thompson is always a tough and tricky out at welterweight. Prior to his defeat to Burns, 'Wonderboy' sent two rising upstarts back to the drawing board.
In one of his most impressive showings to date, Thompson destroyed Luque's nose en route to winning a lopsided unanimous decision back in 2019. While Thompson has remained at the top of the welterweight division for some time, he is yet to win a championship.
After fighting to a draw with former champion Tyron Woodley, Thompson received a rematch less than five months later. Despite absorbing less damage, 'Wonderboy' was unable to capture the world's attention with a flashy knockout. Instead, Woodley scored a unanimous decision, piecing Thompson up in a measured approach for the five-round rematch.
With the unique set of challenges Stephen Thompson brings into any contest, he would create an unusual challenge for Kamaru Usman. Thompson's style can offer a sense of unpredictability. The Karate-based fighter's Blitzkrieg style, with his hands kept low, could threaten Kamaru Usman if the two cross paths.
#2. Sean Brady
Sean Brady could pose issues for champion Kamaru Usman. Brady entered the UFC with a 10-0 record and defeated Court McGee in his UFC debut. While Brady has struggled to put a stamp on his finishing potential, he remains a possible challenger to Kamaru Usman.
Kamaru Usman has some of the best wrestling in the division. However if Brady can secure top position, that could spell trouble for the welterweight titleholder. Kamaru Usman, of course, has never been taken down in his UFC career. Yet, oftentimes it's Brady's pressure while standing that forces takedowns from his opponents.
Sean Brady's forward pressure against Jake Matthews at UFC 259 began to overwhelm the Australian. After his top pressure tired Matthews out for the first two rounds, Brady took advantage in a scramble and snatched a neck in round three. After controlling Matthews on the mat, his technique was too much and he submitted the Australian with an arm-triangle choke.
The cardio and submission technique could pose serious issues for Kamaru Usman. Since 'The Nigerian Nightmare' relies on offensive wrestling in many of his fights, the room for error while grappling with Brady appears to be finite.
#1. Khamzat Chimaev
The star of Fight Island, Khamzat Chimaev, is hungry, and his eyes are fixed on the entire welterweight division. Make no mistake, the Chechen-Swede has already targeted Kamaru Usman too. After dispatching Chinese contender Li Jingliang at UFC 267, 'Borz' has once again taken over the UFC wavelengths.
His aura of invincibility began before UFC 267. The rising upstart caused huge ripples inside the company after winning two fights consecutively within ten days. While Chimaev has unfortunately dealt with a nasty COVID-19 infection, he appears ready and the hype around him has continued to build.
Khamzat Chimaev has had more fights in the UFC than the number of strikes he's absorbed in all four contests. With one-punch knockout power and a perfect finishing record, Khamzat Chimaev is by far the biggest threat to Kamaru Usman and his 170-pound strap. The mystique surrounding the 29-year-old is a byproduct of his mind-boggling performances.
Following his most recent victory against Li, Khamzat Chimaev broke into the rankings and now holds the distinction as the No.10-ranked welterweight in the UFC. With an unbeaten record of 10-0, and a palpable energy surrounding him, the rising star might be in the sights of Kamaru Usman sooner rather than later.
