The UFC pound-for-pound king has been regarded as one of the most well-rounded MMA fighters of all time. But before that he had quite an impressive run as a wrestler.
But we all progress in our respective crafts – and so did Usman.
This is apparent when you watch the recently shared video that shows Usman in his rookie days. Usman got dominated and outgrappled on the mat by former college wrestling legend Cael Sanderson.
In this video, Usman can be seen having a difficult time getting Sanderson to the ground while Sanderson takes Usman down and established dominance with relative ease multiple times. Nothing like the Usman we know in the UFC today.
It’s no surprise to see young Usman get dominated as Sanderson is one of the most decorated folkstyle and freestyle wrestlers in American history.
Sanderson was undefeated in four years of college wrestling at Iowa State University and snatched four NCAA Division I championships before eventually winning the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He currently works as the head coach of Penn State University’s wrestling team.
Used to be dominated in the past, the current day Usman is asserting his dominance in the welterweight division, one of UFC’s fiercest divisions.
Since winning the 170 lbs division belt from another dominant champion in Tyron Woodley back in May 2019, Usman has made five consecutive title defenses including scoring knock-out wins over high-ranked contenders Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal for the first time in their respective careers in the UFC.
As for Usman’s next victim, the UFC president Dana White has pointed a rematch against the No.3-ranked welterweight Leon Edwards to face ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ next.
“100 percent. That kid’s had a rough run. He deserves it. If you look at it, Colby [Covington] lost to [Usman] twice, Gilbert [Burns] lost, Leon’s next. He’s number three.” White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter.
With the champion is on a 19-fights win streak and Edwards also riding a 10-unbeaten streaks of his own, this fight surely will get the fans electrified.
https://youtu.be/OHKimGc7v8k?t=1