Kamaru Usman has compiled one of the quietest eight-bout UFC winning streaks in recent memory, but he has big plans after earning the signature victory of his career.
Usman cruised to a unanimous verdict over former title challenger Demian Maia in the UFC Fight Night 129 headliner in Santiago, Chile, on Saturday night. After a competitive opening stanza, Usman relied on his athleticism and sprawl to keep the fight standing, and from there, he used on his standup to batter the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt for the better part of the final four rounds.
Usman believes his performance was enough to solidify himself as the division’s No. 1 contender.
“I think I should fight for the belt next. I just dominated [Maia] better than (UFC champion) Tyron Woodley,” Usman said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference. “Tyron ran from him the whole fight. Tyron threw, what, the fewest strikes in a champi…