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Kamaru Usman Reveals How Defeats Became His Greatest Weapon Ahead of New UFC Chapter
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman says the setbacks he has endured in recent years have equipped him with a powerful new weapon as he prepares for the next phase of his mixed martial arts career.
The Nigerian-born fighter, widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history, believes the lessons learned from defeat have transformed his mindset and strengthened his approach to competition.
“I’ve studied myself the way I study opponents,” Usman said. “And what I’ve learned is that my greatest weakness has become my greatest strength. The same intensity that cost me in some fights is the same intensity that will carry me to where I need to be. It’s about channeling it differently.”
The 38-year-old explained that experience has taught him the importance of controlling his emotions and adapting his strategy based on the circumstances of each fight.
“It’s about understanding the room and reading the opponent and knowing when to turn up the heat and when to be surgical. That’s not just physical evolution. That’s mental mastery. And that’s what this next chapter is built on,” he added.
Usman’s comments come after a challenging period in his career.
In his last four UFC appearances, “The Nigerian Nightmare” has recorded one victory and three defeats.
His run began with a dramatic fifth-round knockout loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022, a defeat that ended his lengthy reign as UFC welterweight champion.
He subsequently lost a closely contested trilogy bout against Edwards by majority decision at UFC 286 in March 2023.
Later that year, Usman stepped up to the middleweight division on short notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, suffering another narrow majority decision defeat.
However, the former champion bounced back impressively on June 14, 2025, when he dominated Joaquin Buckley over five rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory and snap his three-fight losing streak.
Reflecting on his journey, Usman emphasized that both success and failure have played crucial roles in shaping him as a fighter.
“Every fight I’ve had has prepared me for this moment. The wins taught me what it takes to be great. The losses taught me what it takes to stay great. Most fighters don’t get the benefit of both lessons.”
With renewed confidence and a refined mindset, Usman believes the difficult experiences of recent years have positioned him for another successful chapter inside the Octagon.
He is due for a return to the Octagon on July 18, 2026 when he is will be facing South African Dircus du Plesis in the main event of the UFC Oklahoma
The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.
The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.
Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.
The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.
The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.
Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.
With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.
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