Kamaru Usman is uninterested in the disrespect.
As soon as the highest pound-for-pound fighter within the sport, Usman has been out of motion for over a 12 months, final competing in October of 2023. As a former welterweight champion, Usman is among 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 struggle, we don’t generate income. I like cash!” Usman mentioned on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “… We dwell a specific way of life. I’ve a household. I like cash! So, if I don’t struggle, I don’t generate income. Everybody retains going, ‘Oh, you’re not selecting fights.’ I need to struggle, I do. But when I’m not wholesome I can’t do this to the most effective of my potential, 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 as a result of 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. In the end, Usman was not ready to take action, however he believes he might be able to compete once more this 12 months, 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 struggle, like all these silly fighters which can be operating their mouths saying, ‘Oh, he don’t need to struggle me!’ Shut your mouth! Nobody is petrified of any of you!” Usman mentioned. “I’ve been on the prime 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 struggle and I can’t wait to struggle to whoop considered one of y’all. So shut your mouth, all of you silly welterweights. Shut your mouth and anticipate when I’m wholesome once more. I’ll struggle all of you, I don’t care. Simply be affected person, OK Thanks. 2025 might be an important 12 months 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 resolution.
