When it comes to his next title defense, UFC welterweight king Kamaru Usman views Leon Edwards and Vicente Luque as the front runners to challenge for his spot at the top of the division mountain.
Usman (20-1) is just days removed from his nineteenth straight win and fifth consecutive title defense. In turning away top contender Colby Covington for a second time at UFC 268 on Saturday, he has reached a point where he is being called the best 170-pound fighter to have ever competed inside the Octagon.
In beating much of the best talent the division has to offer over the last three years, many wonder if there are any worthwhile challenges left for the dominant 34-year-old champ. Although some fans and pundits may question if there are truly any real threats left, “The Nigerian Nightmare” sees two men as the clear-cut options for a title opportunity in 2022. Those being third and fourth-ranked talents Leon Edwards and Vicente Luque.
Kamaru Usman calls Leon Edwards a ‘bonafide star’ if he beats Jorge Masvidal at UFC 269
Edwards (19-3) is on a 10-fight unbeaten run inside the Octagon, and the champ feels if he is successful in his bout against two-time title challenger Jorge Masvidal next month at UFC 269, then he is a “bonafide star” that needs to be given a title opportunity.
“Looking at the division, there are some matchups there. Leon Edwards goes out there and gets the job done — I mean as heated as this rivalry is with Masvidal — he goes out there and starches Masvidal, Leon Edwards is a bonafide star,” Usman told “>ESPN MMA on Tuesday. “That’s a fight that has to happen. He hasn’t lost since he fought me the first time [in 2015] and that’s what people are gonna want to see if he’s able to go out there and really do what he’s supposed to against Masvidal.”
The champ sees Vicente Luque as a solid second option and a fun stylistic matchup
A rematch six years in the making between the two hottest fighters in the division is fight that fans and “Rocky” have been clamoring for since 2019. However, if the British star were to falter in his bout with “Gamebred,” Usman knows his former Sanford MMA teammate Luque would be the next best option. As well as a stylistic matchup that could offer up an exciting championship scrap.
“Also, you can’t forget Vicente Luque. Vicente is as battle-tested as anybody. He’s as fun of a fighter as anybody, and the way that I fight now and where I’m at, Vicente Luque’s another exciting contender,” said Usman. “That’s another fight that could potentially take place. I’m just waiting for these guys to really step up. These guys have got to step up and show the world, hey, I’m that next guy. And right now, they’re there trying to breakthrough.”
UFC 269 takes place on Dec. 11 inside the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Edwards versus Masvidal will serve as the welterweight featured bout on the pay-per-view main card.
Vicente Luque (21-7) has won four straight, with the most recent being a submission victory over fellow ranked competitor Michael Chiesa at UFC 265 in August.
Who is your preference for a title fight with Usman next? Edwards or Luque?
