Kamaru Usman reveals he's considering retirement after UFC loss: 'I need to evaluate my career'

Kamaru Usman focused on the fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Kamaru Usman 's future in MMA has become uncertain. After being defeated by Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma , the former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) admitted that he needs to assess his career situation and revealed that he will meet with his team before deciding on his next steps.

The statement was made during the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast, which he co-hosts with Henry Cejudo , 'Triple C', and cast doubt on the future of one of the biggest names in recent UFC history. Even though he is still considered an elite athlete, Usman acknowledged that he needs to carefully analyze his current career situation.

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"I need to sit down with the coaches, talk to the team, and assess where I am in my career to see if it's worth continuing," said Kamaru Usman.

The Nigerian is experiencing a different reality than the one that marked his peak in the organization. During his reign in the welterweight division, he accumulated five consecutive title defenses and reached the top of the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings.

The loss to Du Plessis represented another difficult chapter in the final phase of the former champion's career. After losing the title to Leon Edwards in 2022, Usman saw his dominant streak come to an end and began to face a new reality, marked by periods of inactivity and duels against elite names in the organization.

Despite the doubts, the Nigerian made it clear that he has not yet made a final decision about his future and stated that he intends to analyze the situation with his team before choosing whether to continue competing at the highest level of MMA.

Kamaru Usman's MMA fighters

Kamaru Usman promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Usman, 39, is one of the biggest names in recent UFC welterweight history and marked an era as champion of the division. Known for his combination of physical strength, high-level wrestling, and great strategic ability, the Nigerian established himself as one of the most dominant athletes in the organization, in addition to having starred in some of the division's greatest rivalries.

The athlete began his professional MMA career in 2012 and debuted in the UFC in 2015. Throughout his career, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' built a record of 21 wins and five losses. Among his main triumphs are victories over Colby Covington , Jorge Masvidal , Gilbert Burns , Tyron Woodley , Rafael dos Anjos , Demian Maia, and Sean Strickland.

In addition to the undisputed welterweight title, Kamaru also defended the title in that weight class five consecutive times and was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world during his reign.

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