Kamaru Usman takes UFC 251 camp to Trevor Wittman in Denver

Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Ahead of his UFC 251 headliner opposite teammate, Gilbert ‘Durinho’ Burns, defending welterweight champion, Kamaru ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman is expected to take his fight camp to Denver – under renowned head-coach, Trevor Wittman.

Usman and Burns both ply their trade under striking ace Henri Hooft in South Florida, but for this all-Sanford MMA clash – the defending gold holder is set to hone his craft under Wittman, aside from Elevation Fight Team. While Burns remains under the Sanford MMA banner for his premier championship clash – usual coach, the above-noted Hooft, will also recede from either’s preparation, according to a report from ESPN staff writer, Brett Okamoto.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace, Burns earned his first championship tilt under the promotion’s scrutiny, via a one-sided shutout against former longtime titleholder, Tyron Woodley at UFC Fight Night Vegas in May. The victory marked Burns’ fourth since his return to welterweight last August – adding to wins over the then-undefeated, Alexey Kunchenko, and fellow grappling talents, Gunnar Nelson, and Demian Maia.

Usman will attempt to make the second successful defence of his 170-pound throne, following an exciting back-and-forth – both in the build-up, and come fight night, opposite Colby Covington at UFC 245 in December. The 33-year-old would split the difference in the hotly contested affair, with a late fifth-round knockout.

Wittman, who scored the World MMA Coach of the Year award back in 2017 – has coached the likes of current interim lightweight best, Justin Gaethje, former strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas, former light heavyweight champion, Rashad Evans, one-time interim heavyweight best, Shane Carwin, and former Strikeforce 170-pound titleholder, Nate Marquardt. Wittman is expected to be joined by Jorge Santiago, Kamaru’s brother, Mohammed, and possibly the aforementioned, Gaethje in Usman’s corner.

Ross Markey

Senior writer for FightBook MMA. An aspiring mixed martial arts reporter based in Ireland. Producer of news articles, interviews, opinion features, and exclusive features such as, ‘The Fallout’, ‘The Breakdown, and, ‘This Week In MMA’.