Kamaru Usman Outlines His Retirement Plan

Published: Monday, October 20, 2025 at 3:59 am

Kamaru Usman Eyes a Championship-Driven Retirement

Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has unveiled his ambitious retirement plan, aiming to capture two more titles before hanging up his gloves. The 38-year-old fighter, who held the welterweight title from 2019 to 2022, plans to reclaim the belt and then move up to secure the middleweight title.

Usman's recent fight record presents a mixed picture. While he holds a 1-3 record in his last four fights, including two losses to Leon Edwards and a loss to Khamzat Chimaev, he did secure a victory against Joaquin Buckley in June. He is now targeting the winner of the upcoming welterweight title fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. If successful in winning the welterweight title, Usman intends to vacate it and pursue the middleweight championship.

Usman has stated that his ideal scenario involves winning the welterweight title, vacating it, winning the middleweight title, and then retiring. He believes this would be the ultimate achievement in his career.

The challenges facing Usman are significant. His age and recent performance record suggest he may be past his prime. However, his plan is strategically sound from a legacy perspective. By targeting the biggest fights possible, he is positioning himself for high-profile matchups that the UFC often prioritizes. A middleweight title shot would be a major commercial event. The prospect of a two-title-fight retirement could increase the likelihood of the UFC granting him the necessary title opportunities, even if success is not guaranteed.

BNN's Perspective:

Usman's plan is a bold move, reflecting a desire to cement his legacy. While the odds are stacked against him, his ambition to chase two more titles is admirable. The UFC will likely be receptive to this plan, as it offers the potential for significant financial returns. However, Usman's success will ultimately depend on his ability to overcome the challenges of age and the caliber of his opponents.

Keywords: Kamaru Usman, UFC, Welterweight, Middleweight, Retirement, Title, Champion, MMA, Leon Edwards, Khamzat Chimaev, Jack Della Maddalena, Islam Makhachev, UFC 322, Joaquin Buckley

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