5 fighters who could prove to be a threat to Kamaru Usman

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#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.

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#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.