Kamaru Usman firmly established himself as one of the top fighters in the world after his sensational win over Gilbert Burns. However, Usman and many others would argue that he had attained that spot a while ago. Maybe when he decimated Tyron Woodley to become champion? Or after his iconic war with Colby Covington?

What the Burns fight established is that there is no doubt around Usman’s status. He is pushing up on the conversation for GOAT if he continues this pace. He has almost cleaned out the division, with him holding wins over the current top four in Welterweight. Usman was heated after UFC 258 and called out everyone who criticized him and his position on the pound-for-pound list.

“Everyone. Critics, the media, all of them. Not that I give a sh*t, but I give a sh*t. I’m an artist, I’m sensitive about my sh*t. Put some respect on my name. That pound for pound list is not a popularity contest, you know? I haven’t lost rounds in here. I control what goes on inside the cage.”

Kamaru Usman: What is left for him?

Kamaru Usman has gotten all the basic achievements that he could have. However, GOATs go above and beyond what is expected of him. He is three-wins behind owning the longest win-streak in UFC history. While he needs a lot of wins to break title defense records, even a formidable number would help him in that conversation.

Meanwhile, he also doesn’t have any top contenders in line for him. While he is pushing to face Jorge Masvidal, a fighter he beat in June, that isn’t a new fight. But at the same time, it would be odd for Usman to go and fight Stephen Thompson for the sake of a fresh fight.

Leon Edwards is on an eight-fight win streak and last lost to Usman. Both were younger fighters then and the matchup is fresh because of the improvements both men have made over the years. But there is no clear-cut path for him to the title either. Whatever happens, we do know that Usman deserves his respect now.