UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman Undergoes Surgery – Slated to Be Ready to Fight by UFC 276 on July 2

Kamaru Usman is going to be out for a significant amount of time. The current UFC welterweight champion recently underwent surgery on his hand, which will keep him out of action.

Usman got the ligament on his right hand repaired, and Dana White had pictures to prove it. The UFC president took to social media to show the before and after photos. (NSFW WARNING)

Along with the photos, he wrote, “Pound for pound best fighter in the world @USMAN84kg had hand ligament surgery today. This is the before and after. See you soon CHAMP.”

The surgery took place because of the broken hand Usman suffered before his second fight against Colby Covington. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare,’ despite the injury, put on a clinic against his bitter rival and made his fifth successful title defense.

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Usman had a great 2021 as a whole. The welterweight champ defended his title thrice, which is unheard of in today’s times. He defeated some of the biggest names in the game and cemented his place as the pound-for-pound best fighter. According to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, Usman will be ready to compete soon during International Fight Week, which is UFC 276.

There have been rumblings about Usman going up a division soon and fighting Israel Adesanya. Both men have said in the past that it won’t happen, but Usman’s manager, Abdelaziz, suggested that Usman move up a division. However, according to Dana White, he already has an opponent in mind for the welterweight champion.

Dana White says Leon Edwards is next for Kamaru Usman

Leon Edwards is currently the number 3 ranked welterweight in the UFC. He has paid his fair share of dues and is now the next in line for a title shot.

Many have been expecting Edwards to challenge for the title and now it might just be happening. In an interview, UFC president Dana White was asked if ‘Rocky’ is next for the title. He said, “100 percent. That kid has had a rough run. He deserves it. And if you look at it, Colby lost to him, twice. Gilbert lost Leon’s next. He’s number three.” 

Edwards, on a 10 fight undefeated streak (9 wins, 1 N/C) has been unbeaten since losing to Kamaru Usman at UFC on Fox 17, back in December 2015.

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He has the longest unbeaten run amongst contenders and hence, fans would love to see him rematch ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’.

Will Kamaru Usman vs Leon Edwards 2 happen at UFC 276?