Kamaru Usman Has Options!!!

Kamaru Usman is the UFC Welterweight Champion and has nearly cleared out the welterweight division. In his recent bout, he dismantled Gilbert Burns, who was ranked second in the division. He dominated Burns with jabs that kept hitting right on the money. After the fight, Usman called out former opponent Jorge Masvidal, who Usman already defeated in five straight rounds. I understand Usman calling out Masvidal because of the popular demand for the fight, but I believe Usman will once again dominate Masvidal for another five rounds if they step into the octagon. With that being said, Usman has defeated six of the top ten ranked fighters in the welterweight division. What is next for him? Usman has so many options even after almost clearing out of his division.

Colby Covington is always a potential option because of their intense rivalry. Since his lost to Usman, he picked up a spectacular win over former champion Tyron Woodley and has redeemed himself for a rematch. Covington is currently sitting ranked first overall in the welterweight division and has called out Usman numerous times. Yet, it still might take Covington another win to get Usman’s attention. I believe Covington and Usman had the most intense fight of the welterweight division’s history and the two would provide a great bout.

Next for Usman can also be Stephan Thompson, even though he is ranked number five in the division. Thompson is one of the top ten guys Usman has not faced. If Stephen Thompson picks up another win, he is well deserving of a title shot. Thompson’s karate style of fighting can give Usman a very tough task because it is a very hard style to train for and mimic. Thompson also has great takedown defense and if Usman cannot take him down, he will be in for a long night.

Next is Leon Edwards who is ranked third and is a former opponent who lost to Usman back in 2015. Since his loss to Usman, Edwards is on a eight fight win streak and has an upcoming bout with ranked thirteenth overall Belal Muhammad. If Leon wins nine in a row, he should fight for the belt next, but due to his unpopularity it is very hard to sell his fights. UFC should be about the best fighting the best, but lately it is all about fame and popularity. Since his incident with Masvidal, he has been getting a lot heat for it. Even a win might not earn a bout with the champion because he is fighting a fighter ranked at thirteenth while he sits third overall. Also, due to his lack of activity in the cage and almost being out for two years, he might have a long way to go to be in contention.

We will have to wait and find out in the future.
I believe everyone else in the division are two to three fights away from a titled shot. Due to Usman’s savage tear through the division, he can also just sit on the sidelines and let the division figure itself out since there has not been a sign of a new contender. I don’t think the division is on hold, but I do think that everyone in the division should be fighting each other instead of looking for a title shot when no one is clearly deserving of one.