Kamaru Usman says the welterweight division is the toughest in the UFC

K. Usman sports a belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil

The welterweight champion (up to 77kg.), Kamaru Usman, 'pulled sardines' into his class in the UFC by declaring that his division is the toughest of all in Ultimate. In addition to the statement, the athlete said that the category is one of the most exciting among those available in the company. In an interview with 'Andrew Whitelaw of Fox Sports Asia', the number one spoke about the topic.

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“Without a doubt (about it being the most complicated). Everyone knows it. This is the toughest division and one of the most exciting. I'm far from running out of opponents. So, this is a good thing,” said the Nigerian.

Usman's claim could be based on the latest statements by Jon Jones, light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.). Recently, 'Bones' publicly complained about the lack of challenges within his category. The athlete even considered moving away from the sport and waiting until a new prodigy emerged that could put his reign at risk.

Kamaru, in turn, is close to making his first title defense. The fighter, right away, will have a long-awaited confrontation against the loudmouth, Colby covington, in the main fight of the UFC 245, on December 14.

Confident of victory, the Nigerian has probably already analyzed the future challengers. Among big names are athletes like Rafael dos Anjos (5th in the ranking), Leon edwards (4th in the ranking), Tyron woodley (1st) and the new 'phenomenon' of the category, Jorge masvidal, who appears as a big favorite to fight for the belt after the title fight event takes place.

Against Covington, Usman will make his 17th appearance as a professional in MMA. With his debut in November 2012 and seven years of history just completed, the Nigerian will be looking for his 16th triumph. Kamaru was defeated only once, in May 2013.

Like the champion, Covington will also perform for the 17th time. The North American will try to silence the critics and defeat the number one. With a record identical to that of his rival, Colby now has 15 career victories.