Kamaru Usman considers retirement after Du Plessis defeat

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is weighing retirement after his lopsided defeat to Dricus Du Plessis last weekend.

Usman addressed the loss on his podcast, telling listeners he is contemplating stepping away from the sport, per ESPN. The 37-year-old absorbed heavy punishment from the middleweight champion and failed to mount sustained offense across five rounds.

What retirement would mean for Usman's legacy

The Nigerian Nightmare held the welterweight belt from 2019 to 2022, defending it five times before dropping the strap to Leon Edwards. He has now lost four of his last five fights, with the Du Plessis bout marking his first at 185 pounds.

Usman has not set a timeline for his decision. His management declined to comment on whether contract discussions with the UFC are ongoing.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — Usman ponders retirement after Du Plessis loss