The MMA community finds itself embroiled in a fervent debate following Dana White’s recent declaration that Kamaru Usman stands as the greatest welterweight of all time.
Known for his candid nature as the UFC’s CEO, Dana White once again courted controversy with his outspoken comments. During a recent podcast appearance, he diverged from the conventional narrative by asserting Kamaru Usman’s supremacy over the legendary Georges St-Pierre in the welterweight division.
In White’s typically unfiltered manner, he stated, “When you become a f*****g world champion in the UFC, you went through death f*****g row of the baddest motherf*****s that you could possibly fight. When you talk about a Kamaru Usman, who went through (the division) twice… You might not like Kamaru, you might not like whatever you might not like about it but you can’t deny that he is the greatest welterweight of all time. You can’t deny it, you cannot, don’t like Kamaru all you want, whatever you don’t like about him, that’s your f*****g deal, you can’t deny it.”
White’s bold proclamation naturally sparked a wave of dissent among fans.
One Twitter user, CJ (@cojo5377), pointed out Georges St-Pierre’s transformative impact on the sport, highlighting how the former welterweight champion epitomized the shift towards well-rounded athleticism in modern MMA. For many, GSP’s influence surpasses mere statistics, firmly establishing him as an enduring icon of mixed martial arts.
Another user, Ian (@ibezzant), succinctly dismissed White’s assertion, firmly standing by GSP’s claim as the greatest welterweight of all time.
Similarly, Mark Frias (@MarkFrias) expressed doubts regarding Usman’s purported supremacy, suggesting that even within the UFC’s storied history, Usman has yet to surpass the likes of Matt Hughes, let alone the esteemed GSP. Frias hinted at potential bias on White’s part, implying that White’s endorsement might be swayed by personal dynamics rather than objective analysis.
Twitter user WarWizard (@MKfighter19) underscored GSP’s unparalleled record of title defenses, contrasting it with Usman’s credentials and implicitly questioning the foundation of White’s assertion.
Ultimately, while Dana White’s proclamation has ignited spirited discourse, many fans remain unwavering in their belief that Georges St-Pierre’s legacy as the definitive welterweight remains unassailable.