Kamaru Usman names his UFC Mount Rushmore but there’s no room for Conor McGregor or Khabib
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has revealed the four fighters on his Mount Rushmore as the greatest of all time.
The 35-year-old is preparing to make the sixth defence of his belt in a rematch with Briton Leon Edwards in Utah on August 20.
Usman's nine-year unbeaten run is establishing him as one of the greats in MMA's illustrious history.
But he does not yet put himself in that bracket as the best of all-time - nor does he consider Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov to have done enough to make the list.
Speaking to about his Mount Rushmore fighters, he said: "This is based on preferences, different guys have different preferences.
"I think skill-wise and technique-wise what these guys were able to show, I think, Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, what these guys were able to bring."
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He then continued: "George St. Pierre. I would even say Dominick Cruz."
Usman snubbed McGregor and Khabib despite their incredible accomplishments in the sport.
McGregor became the first man to hold two belts simultaneously in different weight classes back in 2016 when he defeated Eddie Alvarez to add the lightweight strap to his featherweight crown.
Meanwhile, Khabib retired with a professional record of 29 wins and no losses.
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The Russian dominated the lightweight division for several years before hanging up the gloves while still at the top of his game.
He defeated the likes of McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and Edson Barboza in what was a glittering career.
Meanwhile, Usman is supremely confident he can beat Edwards for a second time later this month.
The welterweight champ beat the Brit by unanimous decision back in 2015.
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Ahead of their second clash, Usman said: "I respect his [Edwards] abilities completely.
"Just because we fought once and I got the victory, doesn't mean I would take that for granted; take his skills for granted."
But he then added: "I'll go in there and do what I do best. And that's dominate him from start to finish."
