Kamaru Usman encountered formidable opponents throughout his reign as welterweight champion.
From contenders like Colby Covington to Jorge Masvidal, `The Nigerian Nightmare` consistently faced high-profile adversaries during his time at the top.
However, the most challenging opponent for Usman to prepare for turned out to be a contender he knew exceptionally well.
Gilbert Burns` impressive performances propelled him up the 170-pound rankings after his move from the lightweight division.
The two training partners eventually distinguished themselves as the top two fighters in the world, necessitating that they set aside their friendship to pursue their championship aspirations.
Kamaru Usman Remembers the Countdown Preview for His Bout with Gilbert Burns
Although Gilbert Burns respectfully requested a welterweight title shot after defeating Tyron Woodley, the actual fight presented a significant emotional challenge for Kamaru Usman.
While the two men have since resumed their close friendship, the build-up to their UFC 258 clash was particularly tense and emotionally taxing for the then-champion.
Usman and Burns recently discussed this period during a segment on the `Pound 4 Pound` podcast, where Burns (`Durinho`) was a guest.
`The Nigerian Nightmare` explained that because he was the one who left their shared training team to prepare for the fight, he felt a constant sense of people taking sides or spreading rumors.
On the podcast, Usman mentioned one specific moment that deeply affected him, largely because of his close relationship with Burns` children.
All these things were building up, I saw posts, and then what truly pushed me over the edge was watching the Countdown show. Gilbert was walking with Pedro and Josh, maybe near a canal, talking. He asked them – and I love Pedro, I used to play with him when he was little – he asked, `Who`s going to be the new champion?` And Pedro and Josh said, `Daddy.` `Who`s going to take this belt?` They said, `Daddy, you`re going to take the belt.` It just hit me in my heart. I don`t know why.
Usman described it as the most emotional training camp of his career, adding that at the time, it led him to feel a sense of distrust towards people he was once close to.
As I`ve said, athletes at the highest level find small things to motivate them. I`m not sure why it affected me, but it hit me deeply. I love that little boy; I always played with him. And the whole time, you start feeling paranoid. I thought, `Were you guys plotting to take my title, to take food off my table, this whole time?`
Kamaru Usman Released That Emotion at UFC 258
The staredowns between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns leading up to UFC 258 were notably intense.
While both fighters understood that the bout wasn`t personal, this understanding faded in the heat of the moment, knowing only one could claim the welterweight title.
Usman overcame some difficult moments during the fight before stopping Burns in the third round to defend the 170-pound championship, visibly releasing his pent-up emotion immediately after securing the victory.
After the fight was underway, the realization didn`t fully hit me until the very end. I was celebrating, hyped up, and then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gilbert down here, and I saw my coach, Trevor, saying, `Yeah, the fight`s over.` Seeing him, it hit me, `Man, that`s my guy. That`s my friend.` I just felt overwhelmed.
