Mohammed
Usman
will look to secure his spot on the
Ultimate Fighting Championship roster when meets the undefeated
Zac
Pauga in “The Ultimate Fighter 30” heavyweight final as part of
the
UFC on ESPN 40 main card this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las
Vegas. Usman enters his Octagon debut with a 7-2 record and a 71%
finish rate, though he has done his damage against some
less-than-stellar opposition.
Usman makes the most of his overwhelming physique by dominating his
opponents with frightening power and unusual agility. No matter
where the fight goes, the former college football player likes to
be in control of the situation. “The Motor” generally finishes
fights with strikes, as three of his victories have come by
knockout or technical knockout. Usman also showcased some
intriguing grappling skills in his first two pro bouts, scoring
back-to-back submissions via kimura. The younger brother of current
UFC welterweight champion
Kamaru
Usman, he has already proven he has the cardio necessary to go
three full rounds, going 2-1 when pushed to go the distance.
Usman’s pro debut went down at Tachi Palace Fights 31 in May 2017,
when he needed just 76 seconds to put away
Derrick
Williams with a kimura. His second assignment lasted a mere 68
seconds, as he turned to the kimura once more to dismiss
Dante
Harrell at TPF 32 three months later. Usman’s third appearance
saw him smash
Van
Michael Palacio with punches 4:52 into the first round of their
TPF 33 pairing on Nov. 2, 2017. His first real test took the form
of a back-and-forth battle with Don’Tale Mayes, who was awarded a
unanimous decision over Usman under the Victory Fighting
Championship banner in April 2018.