I missed Kamaru Usman's entry into the UFC. His first fight that I caught was against the tough Russian Yakovlev. I heard the hype before the fight so I paid special attention, and wasn't disappointed. He completely outclassed his opponent. Just as he has done to his next three opponent's, despite each carrying unique dangers and risks - he is not by any means mowing through cans here. Again he faces a impressive physical force in Meek later this year, and while it isn't a fix, I think if Usman lives up to his potential he should defeat Meek and his next 10 opponents.

Nearly unmatched wrestling. Strong camp. Technical striking capable of winning rounds against grapplers and still able to present danger. Willingness to switch between the two as needed.

These descriptors are some of the characteristics that made GSP unbeatable for many years. They are also characteristics that describe Usman perfectly. The main ways I think they differ strongly is Usman's ability for extreme aggression on the feet (e.g against Moraes) and perhaps GSP's sharper fight IQ and pre-fight preparation, which is one of the strongest ever. Obviously their striking and grappling styles are quite different superficially, but at the core they present the same problems to opponents, that being almost unstoppable wrestling, crushing top control, and tricky, above-average striking.

So, Usman appaears to have the formula for success at welterweight. It only seems that age and UFC matchmakers can stop him now. He certainly has my pick for WW champion at the beginning of 2019, but at the age of 30, will he be able to carve out the kind of legacy that GSP built?

Do you think I'm hyping Usman too much? Do you think another up&comer like Till or Covington instead will become the next big thing? If Till sleeps another well rounded top 10 fighter, I'd certainly start considering him as a future title holder.

Also, this post is more or less intended as a follow on/response to Phil's post about the changing of guard at welterweight. I've had these ideas for a long time but I think now seems like a good to to divulge them, as it seems like a hot topic right now.