Kamaru Usman is firmly positioned alongside Georges St-Pierre in debates about who deserves the title of the greatest welterweight MMA fighter of all time. With his consistent dominance and skill set, Usman continues to build a legacy that challenges the longstanding prestige of St-Pierre.
Chael Sonnen Weighs in on Usman’s Standing Among Welterweight Greats
Chael Sonnen recently shared his perspective following a conversation with Kamaru Usman ahead of Usman’s bout against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. Sonnen highlighted how rising fighters are eager to take Usman down, placing him in a rarefied category similar to that of Georges St-Pierre, widely regarded as an icon in the division.
According to Sonnen, Usman has repeatedly accomplished feats in the welterweight division that many would struggle to achieve even once. Sonnen recounted Usman’s confident response when asked if he could inflict harm on Buckley, despite the younger fighter’s admiration for him.
He said, ‘Yes, I’m going to be able to hurt that guy. I’m going to be able to overlook that this is somebody who admired me, and I’m going to remind him as to why he looked up to me in the first place’.
—Chael Sonnen
This remark underscores Usman’s resolve to demonstrate why he is not only the division’s current king but could also be considered greater than St-Pierre without losing respect.
Kamaru Usman’s Rise Following St-Pierre’s Retirement
After Georges St-Pierre retired post his controversial win over Johny Hendricks, the welterweight division opened up for new talents, with Usman quickly emerging as the dominant force. Notable for his wrestling prowess and cage intelligence, he has successfully defended his title multiple times, solidifying his place at the top.
Usman’s nickname, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare,’ reflects his reputation for relentless pressure and high-level skill, which have distinguished him since he stepped into the spotlight following St-Pierre’s exit from the sport.
The Lasting Impact of Georges St-Pierre and Speculation on Unfought Matchups
Georges St-Pierre’s legacy remains influential; his achievements include championship titles across two weight classes and a career marked by exceptional technique and fight IQ. Yet, some fans and analysts continue to speculate on hypothetical matchups, such as a fight between St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov, which never materialized in the octagon.
Chael Sonnen has offered his own analysis on this theoretical contest, emphasizing St-Pierre’s remarkable career while acknowledging the curiosity surrounding how he would have matched up against an undefeated competitor like Nurmagomedov.
Usman’s Legacy and the Future of the Welterweight Division
As Kamaru Usman carries the torch in the welterweight division, his ability to maintain dominance will influence how he is remembered in MMA history. Sonnen’s assertion that Usman could be the
“only welterweight that you could argue was better than Georges St-Pierre and not lose credibility”
highlights the significant respect Usman commands from former champions and analysts alike.
Upcoming fights and Usman’s continued performances will further define his standing, but his current accomplishments position him as a transformational figure in the sport. His championship tenure and skill set resonate deeply with fans and competitors, confirming that Usman is a central figure in the ongoing evolution of MMA welterweights.