Overview
Kamaru Usman's welterweight championship run stands as one of the most dominant title reigns in UFC history. He won the belt from Tyron Woodley and proceeded to defend it six times, dismantling every top welterweight with a combination of elite wrestling and knockout power that grew year over year.
The loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 -- a fifth-round head kick with 54 seconds left -- ended what had looked like an all-time dominant run. Usman's legacy is secure as one of the three or four greatest welterweights in UFC history.
Career Highlights
- UFC Welterweight Champion for 4 years (2019-2022)
- 6 consecutive welterweight title defenses
- KO'd Jorge Masvidal twice
- Two fights with Colby Covington for the title
- NCAA Division II national wrestling champion
Signature Moves
- 01Double-leg takedown into cage work
- 02Body lock to ground control
- 03Right hand over the jab
- 04Ground and pound in the mount
Biggest Wins
WIN #1
Jorge Masvidal — TKO R2, UFC 261 / Decision, UFC 251
WIN #2
Colby Covington — TKO R5, UFC 245 / Decision, UFC 268
WIN #3
Gilbert Burns — TKO R3, UFC 258
WIN #4
Tyron Woodley — Decision, UFC 235 (won title)
THE DAD TAKE
Usman ran the welterweight division for four years. The Leon Edwards head kick is one of the most dramatic moments in UFC history, but it doesn't change what he built. For your kids: dominate for as long as you can and respect when the next generation arrives.
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