5 reasons why Kamaru Usman would fail at light heavyweight

#4. His wrestling will be ineffective

Kamaru Usman is a power-wrestler. While he does not dive at his opponent's hips to secure explosive double-leg takedowns due to the poor physical condition that his knees are in from all of the wear and tear over the years, Kamaru Usman often relies on strength as much as technique to outmuscle and overpower his foes in the clinch.

However, due to the size difference between him and the light heavyweights he'll encounter, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' will find that his wrestling will not be nearly as effective as it is in the welterweight division or as effective as it could be in the middleweight division. The trips, throws and slams that Usman specializes in will prove difficult to secure against taller and longer foes.

Usman, perhaps for the first time in his MMA career, will encounter opponents who have greater leverage than he does in the clinch due to their superior length and height.

Furthermore, Kamaru Usman will have the same problems Jon Jones faced when he fought Alexander Gustafsson in their first bout and the same problems Daniel Cormier faced when he and Jones first locked horns. Wrestling against tall opponents is especially difficult when they widen their base to defend takedowns.

---

#3. The size difference will affect his striking

While Kamaru Usman possesses the same reach that former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira does, there is a difference most observers fail to account for. Teixeira is a few inches taller than Usman. Thus, even with arms of the same length, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' will be punching two or three inches upwards against Teixeira.

What this means is that even against Teixeira, Kamaru Usman will be at a reach disadvantage of two or three inches because he will have to punch two or three inches higher. Without his reach advantage, the welterweight kingpin will not be able to implement his jab or his right cross.

Usman throws his jab with violent intentions. He steps in as he jabs, putting all of his weight behind the punch as he extends it from the shoulder. However, as powerful as his jab is, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' recognizes that a jab is a weapon of attrition that requires a follow-up to deter opponents from simply coming forward and smothering him.

To do so, Kamaru Usman often pairs his jab with a seismic right cross. Unfortunately, at light heavyweight, his reach and height will be so short that Usman will have to step into range and risk getting countered every time he hopes to throw his straight punches. He will no longer have the luxury of hitting his foes from a distance at which they can't return fire.

Instead, he will have to step in and put himself in position to be counter-struck every time he hopes to land his own blows. Least of all against the current light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka whose arms are 80 inches long while standing 4 inches taller than Usman, bringing his reach to 84 inches against the Nigerian.