Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently reflected on the impact that his rivalry with Colby Covington had on his career. Despite the animosity between them, Usman admitted that Covington brought out the best in him as a fighter. Their intense battles forced Usman to push himself to the limit, ultimately leading to his victories over Covington.
Usman acknowledged that Covington’s trash-talking and relentless approach to promoting their fights challenged him in ways that he had never experienced before. The tension between them motivated Usman to elevate his training and preparation to a new level. He credited Covington for being the “dance partner” that he needed to reach his full potential inside the octagon.
While Usman is currently engaged in a war of words with welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, he explained that rivalries serve as a significant source of motivation for him. Despite being on a winning streak, Usman emphasized the importance of self-motivation in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in the sport. He views every fight as a personal challenge to exceed his own expectations and prove himself wrong.
Usman’s mindset reflects his belief that true greatness is achieved through self-improvement and self-motivation. He thrives on the internal struggle to constantly outperform himself in each competition. By approaching every fight as a test of his own abilities, Usman continues to raise the bar for his own performance and prove his doubters wrong.
Usman’s experiences with rivalries in the UFC have taught him valuable lessons about the importance of self-motivation and personal growth. While external dynamics with opponents can ignite a competitive fire within him, Usman ultimately relies on his own drive and determination to succeed in the octagon. By embracing the challenges presented by his rivals, Usman has transformed his setbacks into opportunities for growth and self-improvement.