Kamaru Usman Outlines ‘Dream Scenario’ for Final Chapter of UFC Career
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is already carving out the blueprint for the final phase of his decorated MMA career — and he’s aiming for nothing short of history.
In a recent YouTube vlog, Usman laid out his ideal ending to his fighting journey: reclaim his old welterweight crown, move up a division, win the middleweight title, and walk away from the sport on top.
“In this part of my career, the dream scenario is: next fight, win the welterweight title,” Usman said. “Vacate. Win the middleweight title. Retire. Just boom boom, one, two, and then be done. Because you can’t top that. What else do I want?”
Usman, 38, is already etched in UFC lore. He won his first 15 fights in the promotion, claiming the 170-pound title by defeating Tyron Woodley at UFC 235. He went on to defend that title five times against elite competition, including Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
But after a dramatic knockout loss to Leon Edwards in 2022, followed by a decision defeat in their 2023 rematch, Usman hit a rough patch that culminated in a short-notice middleweight bout against rising star Khamzat Chimaev. That fight — which Usman took without a full training camp — resulted in a third consecutive loss.
He returned to the win column in June, defeating Joaquin Buckley and reigniting talks about another title run.
🧠 New Motivation, Same Mindset
With a UFC legacy already secured, Usman admits that his motivation has shifted. It’s not about proving his toughness anymore — it’s about legacy, and the sting of potential defeat.
“When you’re going into the fight, it’s not so much ‘I’m afraid this guy might hurt me.’ No, you’re not afraid of that anymore,” Usman explained.
“It’s crazy — the whole point of it is you’re afraid of losing. Like, man, I did all this work. I can’t lose.”
That mental battle, Usman believes, is what fuels greatness in the cage. For veterans like him, it’s not the physical toll that’s the biggest threat — it’s the pressure of living up to years of dominance.
“That becomes the fear, which ultimately can either hinder you or actually put you in a place where you perform greater than your expectations,” he added.
🏆 One Last Climb
If Usman were to achieve his stated goal, he would join the elite list of two-division UFC champions — and perhaps be the first to vacate one belt and win another back-to-back as his final two fights.
That “boom boom” finish — as he calls it — would be a mic-drop moment in a career already stacked with achievements.
But even with a plan in place, nothing is guaranteed in the UFC. Usman still has to earn his way back to title contention, and a stacked welterweight division won’t make it easy.
Still, for fans of “The Nigerian Nightmare,” the message is clear: Usman isn’t done yet — but he knows exactly how he wants to say goodbye.
