Former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, has teased a potential blockbuster bout against reigning middleweight titleholder, Dricus Du Plessis.
Kamaru Usman also teased an all-African showdown that could headline the UFC’s long-anticipated debut event on the African continent.
Usman, who snapped a three-fight losing streak with a hard-fought victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta last weekend, is already setting his sights on bigger opportunities.
While still hopeful of another run at the welterweight crown, possibly against top contenders like Jack Della Maddalena or Islam Makhachev, the 38-year-old Nigerian is open to moving up in weight to face Du Plessis in what he envisions as a historic clash.
“After getting the belt, they asked and waited years for me to go up and get the middleweight belt, so why not?” Usman said in an interview with TMZ.
“I will relinquish that if Dricus Du Plessis is still the champion, an all-African card. Africa versus Africa, first card in Africa.”
Usman framed the potential bout not only as a high-stakes battle between two elite fighters but also as a showdown fueled by national rivalry and pride.
“South Africa versus Nigeria, it’s a rivalry that’s been built forever, sports rivalry,” he added. “I think that’s another blockbuster, two mega events that you’re gonna remember forever.”
The UFC has long expressed interest in staging an event in Africa, particularly during the height of the “Three Kings Era” when Usman, Israel Adesanya, and Francis Ngannou simultaneously held titles. However, despite years of anticipation, the promotion has yet to hold a card on African soil.
With Du Plessis now holding the middleweight title and Usman rejuvenated, momentum is again building. Usman believes the timing is right.
“Manifestation is very powerful,” he said. “If things start to fall in line, I think we’re gonna see a pretty interesting next 18 months.”
A potential all-African UFC card, headlined by Usman vs. Du Plessis, could mark a groundbreaking moment for the sport and a powerful celebration of Africa’s growing influence in mixed martial arts.
The post Kamaru Usman Hints At All-African Super Fight With Du Plessis As UFC Eyes First Event In Africa appeared first on Naija News.