UFC 261: Dana White says Kamaru Usman on way to ‘possibly being the best ever’, calls for Colby Covington rematch

UFC president says those who call the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ boring are ‘idiots’ and praises his evolution from wrestler to all-round ‘stud’

Welterweight champion Usman is only behind Georges St-Pierre for unbeaten UFC record as White recommends Covington rematch to ‘cement his legacy’

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UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman walks off after beating opponent Jorge Masvidal in their rematch at UFC 261 in the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonvilla, Florida in April. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:14pm, 25 Apr 2021Updated: 7:16pm, 25 Apr 2021

UFC president Dana White has called welterweight champion Kamaru Usman “one of the best ever” after his stunning second-round KO against Jorge Masvidal.

The 33-year-old Usman (19-1) was booed by most of the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena crowd in Masvidal’s (35-15) home state of Florida, but seemingly won some fans over after yet another dominant title defence in Saturday night’s rematch.

“I think we can all agree, no matter how you feel [about him],” White said in the UFC 261 post-fight press conference.

The win over Cuban-American “BMF” Masvidal puts “The Nigerian Nightmare” on an 18-fight win-streak in his pro career, and within reach of the legendary middleweight Anderson Silva’s record UFC win streak of 16.

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman throws hammer fists after knocking out Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261. Photo: USA Today

“The guy was getting booed tonight, but he’s one of the best ever and he’s on his way to probably being the greatest of all time,” White added. “The guy is an absolute stud and he looks better every time he comes out.