Kamaru Usman set for UFC return, eyes tough Thompson as opponent

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is making a comeback.

But before “The Nigerian Nightmare” can book his Octagon return, the former champion needs to lock down an opponent that makes sense. That’s why Usman is calling for two-time title challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.

“I’ve done everything there is to do. The only guy that, to be honest, even makes sense right now is Wonderboy because he needs an opponent,” Usman told TMZ Sports.

“Wonderboy’s been around for so long, and he’s just that name to where it’s always a good fight. His style is very, very difficult to fight. He’s just one of those names, he’s in my era, that I never really got to fight.”

Thompson, who withdrew from the UFC 291 pay-per-view (PPV) fight card after his opponent failed to make weight, has been vocal about his displeasure with fighting opponents who just want to take him down and grind him out for three rounds.

The 36-year-old Usman (20-3) is looking to rebound from back-to-back losses against longtime rival Leon Edwards, which cost “The Nigerian Nightmare” his 170-pound strap. As for Thompson, 40, he improved to 17-6-1 by stopping Kevin Holland at UFC Orlando.