Kamaru Usman is bored with the disrespect.
As soon as the highest pound-for-pound fighter within the sport, Usman has been out of motion for over a yr, final competing in October of 2023. As a former welterweight champion, Usman is among the largest stars within the division and so throughout his prolonged layoff, different welterweights have been fast to take pictures at “The Nigerian Nightmare,” however as we head into 2025, Usman is sick of it.
“That is the factor, whereas we’re coming into 2025 I simply need to make this clear so everybody realizes and understands, if we don’t battle, we don’t earn a living. I like cash!” Usman mentioned on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “… We stay a specific way of life. I’ve a household. I like cash! So, if I don’t battle, I don’t earn a living. Everybody retains going, ‘Oh, you’re not choosing fights.’ I need to battle, I do. But when I’m not wholesome I can’t do this to the perfect of my means, to present you guys ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ that you simply guys are used to seeing, that you simply guys need to see in that octagon.”
Usman’s layoff was primarily attributable to damage, although the previous champion did briefly flirt with the thought of stepping in on brief discover at UFC 310 towards Shavkat Rakhmonov. Finally, Usman was not ready to take action, however he believes he will probably be able to compete once more this yr, and has a phrase of warning for all those that had been speaking trash.
“So for these of you pondering that I’m not preventing as a result of I’m selecting to not battle, like all these silly fighters which can be operating their mouths saying, ‘Oh, he don’t need to battle me!’ Shut your mouth! Nobody is fearful of any of you!” Usman mentioned. “I’ve been on the high of the division, pound for pound, with an iron fist, spanking all of y’all for some time. So pay attention, when I’m wholesome, I’ll get in there. I need to battle and I can’t wait to battle to whoop considered one of y’all. So shut your mouth, all of you silly welterweights. Shut your mouth and await when I’m wholesome once more. I’ll battle all of you, I don’t care. Simply be affected person, OK Thanks. 2025 will probably be an excellent yr for everyone.”
Usman most just lately fought Khamzat Chimaev, stepping in on brief discover for a middleweight bout at UFC 294. Chimaev received a majority choice.
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