Kamaru Usman is chasing the one achievement that has eluded him in the UFC: becoming a two-division champion.
The former welterweight king is moving up to middleweight to face fellow ex-champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City.
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Usman spoke with Babcock before the bout, expressing his motivation for the fight.
"It's a big guy. It's a big name.
And that's kind of what I want," Usman said.
"I understand that at this stage, it's a blessing for one, just to be able to compete and entertain the masses, but also to be in a position to still potentially get gold again."
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"It's a blessing and I'm blessed and I'm thankful for the opportunity, but make no mistake, absolutely, I want to go in there and put on a performance.
So I once again get that opportunity."
Sean Strickland is the current middleweight champion after defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May. Chimaev is the top contender, while Du Plessis is ranked second.
Usman is not ranked at 185 pounds because he has only fought once in the division, a razor-close loss to Chimaev on just 10 days' notice.
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With a win over Du Plessis, Usman believes he will be in prime position for a title fight and the chance to become a double champion.
"There's still one club I can't get into yet. You know, and I need to get into that club," Usman said.
"I want to be, by the time I'm done, you want to be remembered as not, 'Oh, that guy was a champion.'
No, you want to be remembered as that guy that was a champion here and a champion there."
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"I'm excited for potentially that opportunity. But it starts with this Saturday, me going out there and doing my job!"
