Kamaru Usman Open to Fighting in Multiple Divisions: "I'm a money weight fighter now"

Kamaru Usman may be fighting in the middleweight division at UFC Oklahoma City, but "The Nigerian Nightmare" no longer sees himself tied to a specific weight class. A former UFC  Welterweight Champion, Usman now presents himself as a "money weight fighter" and is willing to compete at welterweight, middleweight, and even light heavyweight if the opportunity makes sense.

Kamaru Usman Ready to Fight at 170, 185, 205

Following a return to welterweight in his last fight, when he defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision, Usman is back at middleweight as he takes on Dricus du Plessis.  "The Nigerian Nightmare" is even willing to compete at light heavyweight if the right opportunity comes along.

Speaking at UFC Oklahoma City media day, Usman explained why facing du Plessis made sense at this point in his career while making it clear he no longer feels tied to a single division.

"I'm a money weight fighter now," Kamaru Usman began. "So if it's up at welterweight, I'll do it. If it's up at middleweight, I'll do it. If it's up at light heavyweight – I might do it. [...] I wouldn't say easier. I think it just made sense. I obviously wanted the Islam fight. We talked about that. I thought that's what was going to be next. Unfortunately, in things like this, the company has a big say in this, and they felt this was an opportunity. Obviously, I've been up here before and fought the former champion. This one just made sense at this time."

Different Divisions Provide Same Challenge for Kamaru Usman

Having fought in both weight classes, Kamaru Usman made it clear the middleweight division is just as difficult as welterweight. Still, he already knows what he wants next if he emerges victorious against du Plessis, and that means fighting for a title regardless of the division.

"But it's definitely not easier. I wouldn't say easier with respect to some of these guys right now at the top," Usman said. "Guys like Jared Cannonier. Guys like Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho. 'Robocop' . All these guys are extremely tough, just like Prates or Morales and all these guys. [...] Obviously improved greatly since we fought, and so have I. He's the champ now. It's either Sean Strickland or Islam ."

A victory over du Plessis would immediately put Usman back in the title picture, whether at middleweight or welterweight. Although a fight with Makhachev never materialized, the former champion has made it clear that the Russian and Sean Strickland are the two names he wants next if he gets his hand raised in Oklahoma City.