Coming off a dominant performance at UFC 210 earlier this month, welterweight Kamaru Usman believes a summer showdown against Neil Magny could be his breakout moment.
Magny (19-5) is one of several ranked welterweights currently without a fight. In addition to that, Usman (10-1) sees him as an opponent capable of pushing him, which will result in something he's keenly focused on at the moment -- an entertaining bout.
"He's a guy who will give me a fight," said Usman, who is 5-0 in the UFC. "Some of these other guys are one-dimensional. Those types of fights, they put me into a mode where fans only think of me as a grappler. I'm not just a grappler."
Usman, 28, is a former winner of The Ultimate Fighter reality series and has been dominant in the Octagon thus far.
A former standout collegiate wrestler, Usman has leaned heavily on his grappling background so far. He's not opposed to doing that in order to stockpile wins, but he's also aware of what sells in the UFC -- and believes tougher matchups will bring that out of him.
"I've spoken briefly to [UFC president] Dana White before," Usman said. "He's a guy that's so busy, I feel like he kind of has on these fogged glasses, and unless you're a guy that really stands out, it's hard for him to pay attention to you.
"I think he's also painted me as just a grappler. Yes, I came into this sport as just a grappler, but the more I learn, the more it shines in my fights. Eventually, he's going to see how marketable and valuable I am, and how much money I can make this organization."
Usman also has a compelling backstory working in his favor. His father moved him and his family to the U.S. from Nigeria, when Usman was still a young boy.
The family of five -- three boys -- settled in Texas. Usman, the middle child, says he was a something of a loner most of his life and was drawn to the individuality aspect of wrestling. It was through those wrestling channels that he would eventually meet Jon Jones, Muhammed 'King Mo' Lawal and Rashad Evans, who were influential in him transitioning to MMA.
Because his family still resides in Texas, Usman had hoped he could land on the UFC 211 event on May 13 in Dallas. Timing didn't work out for that card, but Usman says UFC's International Fight Week on July 7 and 8 in Las Vegas would be a nice second option.
"That's what I'm hoping for," Usman said. "I'm not putting all my eggs in that basket yet, but fingers crossed.
"Fans want to see a fight and be entertained. I'm starting to implement that a little more, and at the end of the day, that's how you make money. If fans are willing to pay to see you fight, the promoter is happy. Don't get me wrong, I'll still do what it takes to win, but if I can take risks and be more entertaining, that will be my first option."