Fighter: KAMARU USMAN

Feedback for Kamaru Usman’s perks and overall style. (Could use some refinement.)

 First, his idle stance feels inaccurate. His blocking stance is somewhat close, but it still doesn’t fully capture how he actually fights. His footwork and walking animations also feel nonexistent, which is surprising considering how distinct his movement is in real life. His overall archetype in the game also seems off. Being listed as a Submission Hunter in the gym makes very little sense. When was the last time Usman actively hunted for submissions or won by submission? In reality, he has always been more of a pressure fighter and an unbreakable, relentless competitor with elite wrestling. I think he would fit much better under the Pressure Fighter category.

Some of his perks also feel inaccurate. The Checkmate perk could be replaced with Tank, which better reflects his durability and ability to absorb damage while continuing to pressure opponents. He could also benefit from the Stinger perk. His jab and straight punches have repeatedly stopped opponents in their tracks throughout his career, especially considering his jab and straight are only rated three stars. I would personally replace either Grizzly or Hunter with Stinger. Grizzly makes some sense because of his wrestling and clinch game, but the current clinch system doesn’t really represent the type of control Usman used so effectively, such as holding opponents against the fence and wearing them down. At the same time, since he’s a durable fighter with good switch stance it makes little sense that he has the hunter perk for “better footwork while advancing or moving sideways” which only increases his movement speed in the game for these movements. Kamaru actually fights at a slower, steadier pace in real life.

 Someone at EA should really study his actual fights and style, especially the Colby Covington fights and the Leon Edwards fights. Everyone knows Kamaru can grapple, but his real life identity as a pressure fighter with elite cardio, durability, and powerful straight punches isn’t fully represented in the game. Thanks for reading. Overall, I think Kamaru Usman just needs more refinement and accuracy to better reflect the fighter he is in real life. Thanks

EDIT: I forgot to mention that his hooks should be the long variant. Not so technical boxing like it is currently since he loops his punches in fights sometimes. He also flights Dricus Du Plessis next month at middleweight so it’d be nice to have him at MW