Kamaru Usman has accomplished a lot in his career in the UFC’s welterweight division. He went on the longest winning streak since Anderson Silva at 15, between the years 2015-2022. And, after he won the UFC welterweight championship off Tyron Woodley, he defended it 5 times. Simply put, there is not a lot left for Kamaru Usman to achieve.
At UFC 286, Kamaru Usman settles his rivalry with Leon Edwards in a trilogy bout for the welterweight title. Had it not been for Edwards’ picture-perfect head-kick at UFC 278, Kamaru Usman would have tied Anderson Silva’s record for the longest UFC winning streak. What would have made this achievement even more noteworthy is the fact that Usman’s knees are damaged.
I feel this is gonna be Usman’s last fight, he’s like 36 years old, his knees are fucking destroyed, he’s talked about leaving at the right time, he’s financially secure and wants to be with his Daughter more, I think he’s gonna try get this one back and retire pic.twitter.com/R8ECVJegIv
— 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹🩸 (@DaredevilMMA) March 11, 2023
UFC commentator and notorious podcast host, Joe Rogan revealed this information on the Joe Rogan Experience. In light of this, and ahead of his fight against Leon Edwards, a Twitter user speculated that the Nigerian Nightmare may retire. “I feel this is gonna be Usman’s last fight, he’s like 36 years old, his knees are fucking destroyed, he’s talked about leaving at the right time, he’s financially secure and wants to be with his Daughter more, I think he’s gonna try get this one back and retire,” they wrote.
And this theory does make sense considering Usman’s status as an all-time great. The Nigerian Nightmare has one of the most stacked resumes in the business. Fighting for over half a decade at the very pinnacle of the sport entails damage and mileage, things Kamaru has accrued plenty of. So it does make sense for Usman to hang up his boots at the end of UFC 286.
Twitter speculates about Kamaru Usman retiring post UFC 286
Many people seemingly agreed with what was said in the Tweet mentioning Kamaru Usman’s potential retirement. They acknowledged Kamaru’s achievements in the sport and that he had nothing left to prove. Many even opined that Kamaru would be hailed as the greatest welterweight of all time when all is said and done.
He finished the game, he doesn't have much more to do, he's the second best ww ever, can't be 1st imo so I don't see him having more than one more fight after Leon https://t.co/GCrYkG1EnX
— Cyprien 🌹 (@Cypthebaguette) March 11, 2023
Why not? What's left for him at Welterweight? https://t.co/JMUdDNZhh6
— J.J./HIMMY NEUTRON 🏀 | REAL CRYP(TO) INVESTOR (@MiddyGod42) March 11, 2023
He should has nothing left to prove besides his loss to Leon https://t.co/6FtBgt5MVw
— King $idi⚡ (@mostdopesid) March 11, 2023
If it is, then I am so blessed to watch his rise. One of my favorite fighters and will end up as the welterweight goat imo. https://t.co/ryN8BBGbbr
— 🌊 (@TenaciousThiago) March 13, 2023
Contrary to this, they were also quite a fair few who believe Usman should stick around. They cited his desire to move up in weight classes, something Usman himself had mentioned during his championship reign. However, that ship seems to have sailed after he lost his belt to Edwards at UFC 278.
Assuming he wins, think he waits to see what happens at MW and LHW. Depending on the champs there, I could see him moving up for a superfight
— CDDoug (@CDLessThanDoug) March 11, 2023
Before the loss to Leon he was talking about moving up a weight class
— Jayslzvsthwrld (@jayslzvsthwrld) March 11, 2023
I feel he’s got a couple more in him. But really wouldn’t blame him if he retired after this one. The khamzat fight is gone, he’s at 185 probably. He’s beaten Colby twice. He’ll have beaten Leon twice IF he wins. Maybe he could have a shot at double champ if Izzy loses again.
— Sobervated Conor 🥃 (Fan of Conor McGregor) (@SobervatedConor) March 11, 2023
No matter what fans on Twitter say, the decision ultimately is Kamaru Usman’s to make. If he does decide to retire after UFC 286, the Nigerian Nightmare will do so as a legend who conquered one of the marquee divisions in the UFC. However, all fans will hope that he sticks around a little longer and gives us some dream matches before retiring.
Discussion about this post