Kamaru Usman explains why he wants to 'jump' divisions and fight for the light heavyweight title

K. Usman has five title defenses at welterweight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

About to seek the sixth defense of the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg), Kamaru Usman recently revealed his desire to “jump a division” and try for the light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg). All this in search of just one thing: respect.

In an interview with North American ESPN, the Nigerian, who is already considered by many to be the best MMA fighter in the world today, stated that he wants to take the discussions about the best pound-for-pound fighter off the ground by doing something that no one has ever done.

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“Often nowadays everyone discusses the 'GOAT', the 'greatest of all time'. This is relative. I got into this sport because I'm a very competitive guy. I started playing sports and realized that there is something burning inside me that I want to compete and compete. I wanted to be the best. This is the ultimate sport, mano-a-mano, to do this. That being said, I want to be respected. When I go in there and I'm better than everyone else, I want you to show me respect. I surpassed everyone in my division and I said I'm going to 'skip' one and I want to prove it to you. Everyone talks about pound for pound, but it's just a scenario. 'If they were from the same division, would this guy beat this one?'. I want to prove that I can do this. Nobody ever did. If I can do this, you can put any title you want, but most of all I want respect”, explained Usman.

Before thinking about the second belt, however, Kamaru Usman takes action this Saturday (20) to face Leon edwards in the main fight of UFC 278. In addition to the sixth defense of his belt, the Nigerian seeks to achieve his 16th consecutive victory in the octagon, equaling the historic mark of Anderson Silva.