5 reasons why Kamaru Usman is now the welterweight GOAT

#2. Kamaru Usman is lapping his competition

The well of opponents is beginning to run dry for welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. In fact, at the UFC 268 press conference, the champion even nudged UFC president Dana White to give him a shot at Canelo Alvarez. After his latest title defense against Colby Covington, the champion has now come out successful in two different rivalries.

A rematch is yet to be explored by Kamaru Usman is against Jamaica's Leon Edwards. While the two had danced before, it was Kamaru Usman who would have his hand raised after putting on a wrestling clinic. Meanwhile, Leon Edwards has remained unbeaten since his loss to Usman in 2015 and has strung a 9-fight unbeaten streak together.

Fortunately, at UFC 267, fresh 170-pound blood emerged when Khamzat Chimaev expanded his UFC record to 4-0. However, after breaching the top-ten with a flawless victory against Jingliang Li, Chimaev has a long way to go before he stands across from 'The Nigerian Nightmare'.

Part of what makes Kamaru Usman's reign so imposing is his willingness to mix it up with any welterweight. With a plethora of wins in the UFC, Usman capitalized on fighting up the ladder by studying his challenges. With the assistance of coach Trevor Wittman, it appears Usman is ready to lap another foe if Edwards is truly next in line.

#1. Kamaru Usman is recognized as the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the UFC

Kamaru Usman has become the king of the jungle. Even before his anticipated rematch with Colby Covington, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' was deemed the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter on the roster. While some are critical of that claim, it seems UFC president Dana White is convinced.

Following his victory against Covington at UFC 268, White once again affirmed that Kamaru Usman is the No. 1 pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC. Usman's status is supported by the fact that he has only suffered one professional loss and it was back in 2013 as his second pro bout.

While status is often determined by the public, even heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou agrees with Usman's claim for the No.1 pound-for-pound status. At UFC 261, in front of a sold-out Jacksonville, FL. audience, the heavyweight champion cornered Usman.

Following the spectacular knockout against Masvidal, even Ngannou paid respect to Usman's claim to being the greatest welterweight of all time. Of course, judging a fighter's status is subjective, but with the accolades Usman has collected thus far, his claim as the welterweight GOAT seems more valid than it ever has been.

Do you think Kamaru Usman is the welterweight GOAT?