Kamaru Usman can be on a three-fight losing streak, but the former UFC welterweight champion is not hiding from the limelight. Going into his next fight against No. 7-rated Joaquin Buckley, the "Nigerian Nightmare" is breaking his silence—and he's letting everyone know that he still thinks he's the world's best 170-pounder.

Even after falling to No. 5 in the division, Usman feels his resume, experience, and abilities surpass those of any currently active welterweight on the UFC roster.

Usman's Losing Streak Doesn't Tell the Full Story

Kamaru Usman Says He's Still the Best Welterweight Fighter Kamaru Usman Says He's Still the Best Welterweight Fighter
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Usman's confidence is shooting up despite his losing streak. He's only proving that his losses are just numbers by saying that he's "better than everyone ahead of him," according to TMZ Sports.

Usman's recent run includes three straight losses, but the context is important. In August 2022, he lost his title to Leon Edwards via a last-minute head kick in a fight he was winning on the scorecards. Their rematch seven months later ended in a close decision loss. Then, in October 2023, Usman moved up to middleweight on just 10 days' notice to face undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, ultimately dropping another decision.

Each of those setbacks occurred under different circumstances, and none were resounding defeats.

UFC Return: Usman vs. Buckley to Challenge the Former Champ

Usman returns this weekend to test rising star Joaquin Buckley, a 31-year-old fighter on a six-fight winning streak that includes wins over the likes of Colby Covington, Vicente Luque, and Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson.

"Joaquin is very, very aggressive. Younger, hungry, tough dude. Very, very explosive. Aggressive. And he is pretty well-rounded," Kamaru told the publication.

While Usman acknowledges Buckley's momentum, he also sees it as an opportunity to remind fans and UFC brass of his championship pedigree.

"It's my job to go in there and just kind of let him know that, 'You're doing a good thing, but you know you're just not there yet."

Does a Victory Over Buckley Entitle You to a Title Shot?

Usman thinks so. He believes a convincing victory, particularly a finish, should place him at the top of the list for an opportunity at the welterweight title.

The Nigerian-American mixed martial artist added that if people look closely at the division and situation in the UFC, he's still the biggest at welterweight.

Usman stressed that name recognition, performance record, and worldwide appeal count in matchmaking, and he feels those are on his side.

Can Usman Take Back His Throne?

Despite Usman's critics citing age and past losses, the former champion is not hearing it. He's peaceful, concentrated, and determined to prove the MMA world wrong: his reign isn't ending; it's merely in recess.

By Saturday evening, Kamaru Usman was ready to turn things around. And if he fights well, like his intuition, the path to reclaiming the title might start with a statement win.