Kamaru Usman Reflects on Potential Georges St-Pierre Matchup
The 39-year-old fighter assesses his legacy following a recent loss to Dricus du Plessis.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently shared his belief that he could defeat retired legend Georges St-Pierre. The 39-year-old is currently evaluating his future in the sport after a defeat to Dricus du Plessis.
Why it matters
Usman is weighing his fighting future following a decisive loss and is considering a potential move back to the welterweight division. This follows a high-profile loss where he struggled to overcome his opponent's defensive tactics.
In his recent bout, Kamaru Usman failed to complete any of his seven takedown attempts while being out-landed 136-92 in significant strikes. The official scorecards from the loss to Dricus du Plessis were 50-45 and 49-46 twice.
The players
Kamaru Usman
He is a former UFC welterweight champion who successfully defended his title five times.
Georges St-Pierre
He is a retired MMA fighter who holds a career record of 26-2 and defended the welterweight title nine times.
Dricus du Plessis
He is a professional mixed martial artist who recently defeated Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night 281.
Joaquin Buckley
He is a professional fighter who faced Kamaru Usman in June 2025.
Tyron Woodley
He is a former UFC welterweight champion who lost his title to Kamaru Usman in 2019.
The details
Usman, who previously defended the welterweight title five times after winning it from Tyron Woodley in 2019, is now considering his next steps in consultation with his coaches. His recent performance followed a victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 69 in June 2025.
Timeline
Georges St-Pierre retired from professional MMA in 2017.
Kamaru Usman won the 170-pound title at UFC 235 in 2019.
Kamaru Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 69 in June 2025.
The article was published on October 30, 2026.
The Big Picture
Kamaru Usman's career accomplishments are measured against Georges St-Pierre's nine consecutive welterweight title defenses. This record serves as the historical benchmark for excellence within the 170-pound weight class that all subsequent champions must chase.
Usman's career status leaves his potential ranking in the welterweight division uncertain for fans and analysts. His decision to consult with coaches will determine if he remains a viable contender for future high-profile matchups in the promotion.
The takeaway
Legacy-defining discussions often emerge after fighters experience significant shifts in their career trajectory. Evaluating one's standing against historical greats is a common reflection for athletes nearing the end of their professional tenure.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional fighting, explore the Mixed Martial Arts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
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