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 likely one of the greatest 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 money. I like cash!” Usman stated on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “… We dwell a specific life-style. I’ve a household. I like cash! So, if I don’t battle, I don’t earn money. 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 most effective of my skill, to offer 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 resulting from damage, although the previous champion did briefly flirt with the thought of stepping in on brief discover at UFC 310 in opposition to Shavkat Rakhmonov. Finally, Usman was not ready to take action, however he believes he can be able to compete once more this yr, and has a phrase of warning for all those that have been speaking trash.
“So for these of you considering that I’m not preventing as a result of I’m selecting to not battle, like all these silly fighters which are operating their mouths saying, ‘Oh, he don’t need to battle me!’ Shut your mouth! Nobody is petrified of any of you!” Usman stated. “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 hear, when I’m wholesome, I’ll get in there. I need to battle and I can’t wait to battle to whoop one in all y’all. So shut your mouth, all of you silly welterweights. Shut your mouth and anticipate when I’m wholesome once more. I’ll battle all of you, I don’t care. Simply be affected person, OK Thanks. 2025 can be a fantastic 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.
