How Trevor Wittman Has Transformed Kamaru Usman

UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman returns to action this weekend at UFC 261 as he defends his title against Jorge Masvidal between the duo.

Usman is pushing himself up in the G.O.A.T list of the welterweight division with every passing fight. A second triumph against a veteran like Masvidal will further elevate his case.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’changed camps last year ahead of his proposed fight against Gilbert Burns. Burns and Usman trained in the same gym and knew one another inside out.

He ended up fighting Masvidal instead at UFC 251, but it was only fitting the champion wanted to implement something new in his game. He joined one of the best in the business, Trevor Wittman.

Wittman has certainly made some exciting changes in the champion’s game. Usman fought Burns recently at UFC 258 and his rejuvenated striking game was on display.

Especially his jab. Usman’s jab troubled Burns throughout the fight and eventually proved to be the decisive shot as it earned the champion a knockdown.

How have Trevor Wittman’s methods impacted Kamaru Usman

Wittman doesn’t have a conventional method of training his fighters. The style difference between two of his most famous pupils, Justin Gaethje and Rose Namajunas, suggests the same.

‘The Highlight’ is a brawler and every fight brings entertainment to the fans like none other. Namajunas, on the other hand, is very technical in her approach to a fight.

Wittman has certainly brought something new to the table in terms of the various problems the champion offers to his opponent.

His striking looks on point and has served him immensely in recent times. Usman, an accomplished wrestler, now also depends on his stand-up game. Certainly, this has changed his approach to his fights.

With each passing fight, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare‘ seems to reach new heights. He came into the title fight against Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 as a relatively unknown fighter.

He dismantled ‘T-Wood‘, who is considered one of the greatest welterweights of all time. Defenses against Covington, Masvidal, and Burns followed.

Can Usman get the better of Masvidal for the second time? Let us know.