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Dana White Explains Who Is Next for Kamaru Usman- Gives Two Names

Published 11/08/2021, 12:08 AM EST

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After yet another title defense at UFC 268, it is only natural for both fans and pundits to wonder what is next for ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Kamaru Usman. Usman has been a force to be reckoned with during his time as a champion. All of his title defenses have been definitive wins over some of the most talented fighters in his division. 

As the champion himself said, he has beaten them all once and is now lapping them. This is a fair statement given the fight against Covington was the second rematch of his title reign. And in all likelihood, his next title fight will be yet another rematch. 

In the post-fight press conference, John Morgan asked Dana White what is next for the champion Usman. White said, “Yeah, I mean there are still guys here. You know, you got some guys out there talking about Khamzat Chimaev that he is ready for it. He has had four fights in the UFC. The dude is one of the coolest baddest things we’ve ever seen in the UFC in the way he rips through people. But once you break into that top 10, top 5, let’s not even talk about Usman, it’s a whole another game. He is a couple of fights away. If he can beat up a couple of guys in the top 10, top 5, then we’ll see.” 

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White continued, “And yes (Leon Edwards) has been waiting for a title shot for a long time too. You know, he’s been in there, fought the fights we told him to do, he’s had a lot of bad luck, things happen. But there is always somebody.”

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Another rematch in store for Kamaru Usman?

Leon Edwards takes on Jorge Masvidal in an epic grudge match at UFC 269 in December. Edwards is on a nine-fight win streak and a win over Masvidal will most definitely earn him a title shot. ‘Rocky’ last lost a fight in December 2015 to the champion Kamaru Usman. He has been unstoppable since. 

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However, on the flip side, if Masvidal is able to secure a win, he will not earn a title shot, which will leave no clear contender for a title shot. It is rumored that Khamzat Chimaev is set to fight once again before the end of the year. If he is able to secure yet another dominant win, it will be impossible to overlook him in the welterweight division. 

 

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Written by:

Kevin Binoy

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Kevin Binoy is a senior UFC author at EssentiallySports. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Fergusson College and has been covering sports professionally for over two years. Besides working with the MMA desk, Kevin is a core member of the organization's web stories team and is responsible for delivering engaging MMA web stories.
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