The Herd with Colin Cowherd Daniel Cormier Show - Kamaru Usman on getting KNOCKED OUT by Leon Edwards, UFC title run, beating Buckley
Nov 20, 2025
Kamaru Usman, former UFC welterweight champion, shares his journey from Nigeria to MMA stardom. He reflects on the infamous knockout by Leon Edwards and the emotional aftermath, including discovering his daughter's reaction. Usman discusses the life lessons from mentors like Rashad Evans and Anthony Johnson, coping with loss, and the importance of family. He opens up about staying motivated, maintaining hunger as an ex-champion, and the struggles of assimilation in America, all while emphasizing the significance of his legacy and treating others well.
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Transition Mindset After Fatherhood
- Fatherhood shifted Kamaru Usman's priorities and made him plan the next chapter beyond fighting.
- He aims to finish his fighting chapter well and then pivot into media, fashion, and family life.
Sparring Loss That Sparked Growth
- Rashad Evans beat Usman badly in sparring and it nearly broke him emotionally at the time.
- That beating and later rough sparring with Danilo Villafor convinced him he was becoming ready.
Striking Requires New Balance
- Kamaru found kickboxing the hardest skill to master because it requires different balance than wrestling.
- He had to relearn posture to strike, defend kicks, and keep his legs usable in sparring.
