The UFC's recent main event in Oklahoma City saw Kamaru Usman's attempt to reclaim his former glory fall short. The 39-year-old former welterweight champion stepped up to middleweight, a weight class he has previously competed in, to face the recently dethroned titleholder, Du Plessis. However, the size and power disparity proved too much for Usman, who was outboxed and outpunched over 25 minutes. This loss, coupled with his recent string of setbacks, raises questions about the future of Usman's career.
Usman's decision to move up to middleweight was a strategic one, given his age and the fact that he has only fought three times in the past three years. The additional 15 pounds made him the slower man against Du Plessis, and it put a strain on his already compromised knees. Despite these challenges, Usman remains remarkably competitive, having held his own against former champions Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at 185 pounds. His Hall of Fame-worthy resume at 170 pounds further cements his status as a legend in the sport.
However, the sport is ultimately about results, and Usman's recent record of 1-4 in his past five fights is a cause for concern. With almost nine months until his 40th birthday, MMA history suggests that Usman's best days are behind him. The question now is how many more fights he wants to compete in, and at what weight?
At the post-fight press conference, Usman was asked these very questions, and he could not provide clear answers. His sentiment was that he is down to compete at either weight, and more fights as long as they make sense. UFC CEO Dana White respected Usman's sentiment, leaving the door open for whatever he wants to do.
The obvious fight for Usman at this point is a long-awaited grudge match with Belal Muhammad. The pair of former champions got into a physical altercation while filming a podcast several years ago, but the footage has never been released. Muhammad, like Usman, is in a difficult moment in his career, having lost his past three fights since becoming UFC champion. He is in desperate need of a victory if he wants to stay relevant, and has called out Usman time and time again.
While this fight could have once been envisioned as a championship bout, the stakes are now higher in a different way. The loser would be swarmed by retirement calls, making it a high-pressure match. In my opinion, this fight is a must-make for both Usman and Muhammad, not only to settle the score but also to determine the future of their careers. It's a fight that could define the legacy of both fighters, and it's one that the UFC should be pushing for.
In conclusion, Kamaru Usman's loss to Du Plessis is a reminder that the UFC is a results-driven sport. With his recent record and age, Usman's future is uncertain. However, the fight with Belal Muhammad is a fight that must be made, not only to settle the score but also to determine the future of both fighters' careers. It's a fight that could define the legacy of both fighters, and it's one that the UFC should be pushing for.
