Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Welterweights

2. Kamaru Usman

The UFC lays it on a little thick with its promotion of Usman. Contrary to claims from the announcers’ table, he had lost rounds in the organization prior to his first fight against Colby Covington. He had been taken down before, including on “The Ultimate Fighter.” Promoting him as possibly the greatest welterweight ever after a single title defense was ridiculous. It's a shame, because it actually obscures rather than enhances Usman's greatness. Not everyone had Usman at No. 2, especially after his loss to Edwards, but it was as obvious of a choice for me as St. Pierre was at No. 1. His 15-fight winning streak truly is breathtaking, including a slew of outstanding victories. Usman has vanquished Tyron Woodley, Rafael dos Anjos, Colby Covington twice, Jorge Masvidal twice, Gilbert Burns, Demian Maia, Leon Edwards the first time, and future Top 10 middleweight Sean Strickland.

In one sense, Usman has an advantage over St. Pierre in that he doesn't have a single decision win that any sane person thought he deserved to lose. That includes his rematch against Colby Covington, which I scored a draw, and consider perhaps the greatest MMA fight I've ever seen, surpassing Usman's knockout in their first meeting, which is easily in my Top 10 as well.

Usman started out as the ultimate MMA wrestler, an elite amateur who perfectly adapted his skillset for the sport. His clinch work against the cage is the finest we've seen yet, and he has excellent top control, punishing ground-and-pound, and outstanding cardio. However, over time, Usman developed very good striking, including a gorgeous and powerful right cross which became the first to render Jorge Masvidal unconscious and also obliterated both Covington and Burns. Showing how much of a great all-around martial artist he is, Usman also has devastating kicks, especially the front kick to the body, which I believe was the difference-maker against Covington.

While he lost the title and rematch to Edwards in a fight he was less than a minute away from winning on the cards, Usman isn't done in the sport and could raise his legacy even further.

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