Usman not sure how much longer he's willing to fight, wants to retire on top

Some fighters aim to compete well into their 40s, but it doesn't sound like Kamaru Usman is one of them.

The UFC welterweight champion, who is scheduled to defend his title in a rematch with Colby Covington at UFC 268 on Saturday, said he's realized that MMA takes away from the other aspects of his life. As a result, the 34-year-old might leave the sport sooner than later.

"I've been nine weeks now away from my daughter. FaceTime does help, but it doesn't do it justice as far as being there each and every day," Usman told reporters Wednesday, according to MMA Fighting. "Obviously, I don't know how much longer I'm willing to do this. (Fights) have to make sense for me now."

Usman has held the 170-pound belt since he dominated Tyron Woodley in March 2019 and has defended it four times, including twice against Jorge Masvidal. "The Nigerian Nightmare" is a perfect 14-0 in the UFC and is two victories away from tying Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in the promotion's history.

Usman suggested that always having someone lined up as the next challenger may eventually take a toll - as it did on former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, who took a four-year sabbatical in 2013.

"Basically all you guys want to see is me continue to be successful until I'm not successful," Usman said. "Then you guys can then put that stamp on it and say, 'Oh, he's washed up, he needs to leave.'"

Usman said he ultimately wants to hang up his gloves on his own terms like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, and St-Pierre, who all retired following wins in UFC title bouts.

"That's how you do it," Usman said. "You leave when you want to leave. You don't let the sport retire you. Whenever I feel like that time's there, it's time for me to go."