ABU DHABI – Kamaru Usman is essentially one win from challenging UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
Usman, a former UFC welterweight champion, is moving up to middleweight to take on unbeaten contender Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, which takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena. UFC CEO Dana White has labeled the bout as a title eliminator.
For Usman (20-3 MMA, 15-2 UFC), the possibility of fighting Strickland would be a rematch, as he beat Strickland by unanimous decision back in 2017. Although it’s been six years, Usman thinks he’s still a bad matchup for the now champion.
