Kamaru Usman had one of the longest undefeated streaks in UFC history. Usman was nearing Anderson Silva’s 16 win streak – but fell short at UFC 278. Prior to the event Usman had been contemplating a series of bigger challenges in order to secure several huge paydays ahead of rumored retirements.
One feat Usman has long campaigned for is the boxing match against Canelo Alvarez – for which neither UFC nor Canelo Alvarez had interest in.
However, the Nigerian wouldn’t give up and even offered Alvarez $100 million to box him in the ring. At the time, Alvarez was considered to be the best pound-for-pound boxer. Alvarez started to entertain Usman’s chatter and would not rule out a match once Usman had established his history in the sport.
Showtime president Stephen Espinoza slammed Kamaru Usman for accusing Canelo Alvarez of ducking him a little while back.
Still, despite Kamaru Usman’s recent KO loss to Leon Edwards, Canelo Alvarez has praised him as a “fantastic” boxer.
In a rematch with Edwards, Usman was defending his UFC welterweight championship when the British athlete pulled off a stunning headkick and finished Usman in the final round.
Alvarez noted in an interview:
“It happens in our sports. Everybody can lose you just never know. I think he was winning and it was just one point that changed everything but he is still a great fighter.”
Edwards thinks that Usman has little chance of defeating Alvarez in the ring. Edwards said at UFC 278 media day prior to his win.
“I know I can’t beat Canelo in a boxing match, I’m not deluded.”
Edwards continued,
“This guy’s deluded. He cannot beat Canelo. I know it’s a payday for him but boxing-for-boxing, he cannot beat Canelo. MMA? Yeah, he will win. Same, MMA, I beat Canelo. For a pure boxing match in the square, he would probably win.”