Kamaru Usman is within the midst of the worst stretch of his profession — no less than so far as wins and losses go — however the Nigerian Nightmare says do not get it twisted … he is nonetheless one of the best 170 lb. fighter on this planet’s prime MMA promotion!

The previous longtime welterweight champ, now ranked fifth, joined Babcock on the “TMZ Sports activities” TV present (airs nightly on FS1) … simply days earlier than his extremely anticipated scrap with Seventh-ranked Joaquin Buckley.

Kamaru says, regardless of a 600+ day layoff, he is able to go.

“I really feel good. I really feel good, you already know? I am out right here sipping tea. Very serene,” Usman stated taking a drink.

Whereas Buckley, 31, is within the midst of a 6-fight win streak (together with victories over opps like Vicente Luque, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Colby Covington) … Usman has had a rougher go of it as of late.

Kamaru has misplaced three straight, however that does not start to inform the total story. As champ, he misplaced his belt to Leon Edwards in August 2022 … a combat he was dominating till Rocky landed a last-minute head kick that ended the combat. They rematched 7 months later — an in depth combat that Kamaru misplaced by determination. Usman then accepted a scrap with Khamzat Chimaev on 10 days discover, at middleweight (185 lbs.), which he additionally misplaced by determination.

We requested Kamaru, regardless of the streak, whether or not he believed he might regain his title.

“Completely. I really feel like I am higher than each a kind of guys forward of me.”

However, that is to not say Buckley is not harmful … ‘trigger he’s.

“Joaquin could be very, very aggressive. Youthful, hungry, powerful dude. Very, very explosive. Aggressive. And he’s fairly well-rounded,” Kamaru informed us, giving his scouting report.

Usman added … “It is my job to go in there and simply type of let him know that, ‘You are doing a very good factor, however you already know you are simply not there but.”

We additionally requested Kamaru if he thinks a win would set him up for a crack on the present champ.

“Completely. I feel with a end over Buckley this weekend, I am subsequent in line for that shot,” Usman stated, earlier than explaining his rationale.

“When you actually take a look at the division and also you take a look at the panorama of the place we’re with the UFC and everybody, I do not imply to sound some sort of manner, however I feel so far as on the lookout for the largest identify and the largest combat in that division, I feel it is me.”

However, first issues first … Usman’s gotta beat Buckley on Saturday.