Picture this: a fighter who's already etched his name into UFC history setting his sights on an epic finale that could redefine what it means to bow out on top. Kamaru Usman isn't just thinking about one last hurrah – he's dreaming big about reclaiming glory in two divisions before calling it quits. It's a bold vision that could inspire fans and spark endless debates about ambition in combat sports. But here's where it gets controversial: is chasing multiple belts at the twilight of one's career a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Stick with us as we dive into Usman's ultimate plan, his storied past, and the intriguing shift in his mindset that might just make it all possible.
In a candid YouTube video, the 38-year-old UFC veteran shared his 'dream scenario' for wrapping up his career on the highest note imaginable. Having ruled the welterweight division before, Usman longs to relive that championship thrill one final time – but with an exciting twist. He envisions stepping back into the octagon to reclaim the 170-pound title, only to vacate it immediately after and leap into the 185-pound middleweight division for a fresh shot at greatness. 'In this part of my career, it’s the dream scenario: next fight, win the welterweight title,' Usman explained. '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?' For beginners in MMA, vacating a title simply means officially giving it up so it's open for others to compete for, allowing the champion to focus elsewhere without holding onto the belt unfairly.
This plan isn't pulled from thin air; it's rooted in Usman's remarkable track record, which includes one of the most dominant streaks in UFC history. Since debuting in 2015, he won his first 15 promotional fights, a feat that speaks to his relentless skill and preparation. In 2019, he dethroned Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 to claim the welterweight championship, then defended it an impressive five times in a row, showcasing his striking prowess and tactical brilliance. However, the road wasn't without bumps – he eventually lost the title to rival Leon Edwards in a closely contested fight, followed by another defeat in their rematch. Not one to shy away from challenges, Usman surprised everyone by moving up to middleweight on short notice to face off against the surging Khamzat Chimaev. That bout resulted in his third consecutive loss, a tough stretch that tested his resilience. Fortunately, he bounced back this past June with a decisive victory over Joaquin Buckley, proving he's still a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss: his age isn't slowing him down; in fact, it might be fueling a smarter, more focused approach.
When asked about his mental state heading into fights at this stage, Usman revealed a fascinating evolution in his mindset. Gone are the days of worrying about physical injuries or getting hurt in the cage – that's old news for someone with his experience. Instead, the real fear now is the sting of defeat after pouring in countless hours of training. 'Absolutely, you’re thinking about the fight,' he shared. 'When you’re going into the fight, it’s not so much I’m afraid of being hurt. “I’m afraid this guy might hurt me.” No, you’re not afraid of that anymore. It’s crazy how the whole point of it is you’re afraid of losing. Like, man, I did all this work, I can’t lose. I can’t lose. That becomes the fear, which ultimately can either hinder you or actually put you in a place where you perform to greater than your expectations.' This shift highlights how seasoned athletes like Usman channel their accumulated wisdom – for newcomers, it's like realizing that the mental game often outweighs the physical one in high-stakes battles.
But wait, is this dream realistic, or just wishful thinking? Critics might argue that jumping divisions at 38, especially after recent losses, could be a recipe for disaster, potentially damaging his legacy if it doesn't pan out. On the flip side, supporters see it as the perfect capstone to a career built on versatility and grit – think of it as Usman scripting his own heroic ending, much like a movie star choosing the right role for their farewell scene. What do you think? Should fighters like Usman risk it all for one more thrill, or play it safe and retire gracefully? Does his fear of losing make him more dangerous in the octagon, or could it lead to unnecessary risks? Share your thoughts in the comments – agree, disagree, or throw in your own take on what makes a great career endgame!
