Recently, former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo mixed it up with some bold words that he believes Kamaru Usman deserves another title. While Usman has left, his comments are causing a mix, mostly considering the Nigerian-born fighter’s recent defeats. With the welterweight division filling up with fresh challengers, many fans are questioning even if this is truly the right or if loyalty is confusing judgment.
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Cejudo’s theory:
Cejudo, not to shy away from a take, brings out a direct comparison between Usman’s current place and that of Alexander Volkanovski, who got another title instead of losses. Speaking on his podcast, Cejudo stressed that Usman, like Volkanovski, has earned enough capital with the UFC to warrant another chance. “Look at Volk,” he said. “He lost, came back, got another chance. Why? Because he’s been a dominant champ, and he’s always ready to fight.”
For Cejudo, the same logic applies to Usman. He argues that Usman’s long run as the welterweight king, defending his belt five times and dominating a generation of challengers, may not be forgotten so quickly. “Usman’s been a company guy,” Cejudo added. “He’s stepped up, taken fights, done everything the UFC’s asked of him. That counts for something.”
Cejudo also hinted at the idea of Usman moving up a weight class, possibly to middleweight, though not clearly stated. This change can reset Usman’s path to justify a win at gold, even if his recent performances haven’t been up to par. The notion is that champions who have carried divisions and supported the promotion through thick and thin must get a longer leash when it comes to chances.
Kamaru Usman’s Recent Form: A Closer Look
However, it’s not just about past fame. Usman’s recent form tells a different story. He’s lost three of his last four fights. After back-to-back defeats to Leon Edwards, the first by an amazing head-kick knockout, the second by decision, Usman stepped in on short notice to face the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. While he managed to survive and stay competitive, he lost via majority decision.
These losses have undeniably taken some shine off Usman’s previously untouchable legacy.
Critics give him a title shot now, mostly in a stacked division, which undermines the quality ideals that the UFC frequently claims to uphold.
“Company Man” Debate
So, is being a “company man” really a title chance? In Cejudo’s eyes, it does, but the fans and maybe even the UFC brass may. Fighters like Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and even Colby Covington (instead of his inactivity) are in line and possibly more valuable in recent form.
These losses have undeniably taken some shine off Usman’s previously untouchable legacy.
Critics argue that giving him a title shot now, mostly in a stacked division, undermines the quality ideals that the UFC frequently claims to uphold.
The “company man” name is the UFC. Fighters who frequently take short-notice fights, do brand are frequently paid. But there’s a limit to that goodwill, mostly when it starts to fight with competitors. The UFC is, after all, but it’s also a sport. Marked that balance is where much of the debate rests.
Volkanovski Comparison: Apples and Oranges?
Cejudo’s comparison to Volkanovski is interesting but not airtight. Volkanovski did get another title chance shortly after his loss to Islam Makhachev, and again after his subsequent knockout loss.
Volk was entering in weight, taking on arguably the most dangerous lightweight in the world. His losses were more about daring greatly than losing ground.
Usman, on the other his division twice to the rule champ and then again when testing waters in a new class. There’s also the nature of those defeats. Volkanovski was never truly dominated or outclassed; Usman, while still dangerous, looked slower, possibly past his peak.
So while Cejudo’s analogy makes sense on the surface, former champions, loyal fighters, and those chance at saving, it breaks down under closer inspection. The circumstances, timing, and competition are markedly different.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy vs. the Present
Henry Cejudo’s defence of Kamaru Usman is fixed in respect, legacy, and loyalty. And to a degree, he’s not wrong. Usman has been an amazing champion and a perfect professional. But title chances may also reflect current merit, not just past dominance.
Fans want to see rising challengers get their due. They want fresh matchups and the sense that anyone can rise through the ranks if they earn it. While Cejudo makes a genuine and reasoned case, the reality is that Usman might need one or two big wins to establish himself as a valid title threat.
Eventually, the UFC will do what makes business sense. But in the court of public opinion, the council is still out on even if Usman has truly earned a chance at saving or if it’s just one nostalgic step too far.
Aditya Khare 
Vijay Suyal