Tag: Kamaru Usman

Usman: Next Challenger Should Have To Go Through Colby Covington

UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman believes the road to his welterweight title runs through Colby Covington. Speaking with John Morgan of MMA Underground ahead of Usman’s commentary duties at Eagle FC 47, “The Nigerian Nightmare” was asked about fighting Khamzat Chimaev following the latter’s win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. While Usman isn’t looking…

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UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman believes the road to his welterweight title runs through Colby Covington.

Speaking with John Morgan of MMA Underground ahead of Usman’s commentary duties at Eagle FC 47, “The Nigerian Nightmare” was asked about fighting Khamzat Chimaev following the latter’s win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273.

While Usman isn’t looking past his expected title defense against Leon Edwards, he did acknowledge some of the top welterweights currently knocking at the door of a title shot.

“There’s a lot of guys right there (at the top of the division),” Usman said. “Belal Muhammad is there, Chimaev is there, Covington is still there holding that door strong. And so at this point, Covington is standing right in front of that door.”

Currently the UFC’s #1-ranked welterweight contender, Colby Covington has unsuccessfully challenged for Usman’s title on two occasions. The welterweight champion stopped Covington in the fifth round of their 2019 bout for his first title defense, and he most recently won a unanimous decision over “Chaos” at UFC 268.

Covington has twice challenged Usman for the UFC welterweight title. (Getty Images)

Covington rebounded from that second loss to Usman with a unanimous decision win against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. Two of his three career losses are to the current welterweight champion, and the former-interim title holder was at one point on a seven-fight win streak leading up to his first shot at Usman’s title.

When considering the new crop of welterweight contenders, Usman believes that anyone looking to challenge for his belt needs to fight Covington first.

“And for it to really make sense, for anyone to be able to get through (the door), they need to go through him because he’s proven that he can beat everybody else, but he just can’t beat me. So for you to prove that you can fight for the title, I think it needs to go through that guy.”

Rising welterweight contenders Khamzat Chimaev and Belal Muhammad both vaulted into the UFC’s welterweight Top 5 with their most recent victories. With #2-ranked Edwards expected to challenge Usman next and #4-ranked Gilbert Burns coming off a loss to Chimaev, both men find themselves with limited options to continue climbing the ranks.

If either Chimaev or Muhammad want to solidify their case for a title shot, they may have to follow the champion’s advice and face Covington first.

What do you think of Usman’s comments? Should the next welterweight contender have to fight Colby Covington before earning a title shot?

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Jake Paul Calls Kamaru Usman’s Manager Ali Abdelaziz a ‘Scumbag Criminal’; Abdelaziz Responds

Jake PaulJake Paul had made a regular habit of making enemies with his mouth.  The YouTube star turned boxing sensation has been in a war of words with notable combat sports stars Jorge Masvidal, Conor McGregor, Tommy Fury, and Dana White. Now you can add Kamaru Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz to that list. Abdelaziz took to […]

Jake Paul

Jake Paul had made a regular habit of making enemies with his mouth. 

The YouTube star turned boxing sensation has been in a war of words with notable combat sports stars Jorge Masvidal, Conor McGregor, Tommy Fury, and Dana White. Now you can add Kamaru Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz to that list.

Abdelaziz took to Twitter and criticized the lack of star power of Canelo Alvarez’s opponent Dmitry Bivol in their WBA light heavyweight title fight. While speaking to FightHub TV during a media session for the Taylor-Serrano women’s title bout, Paul called Abdelaziz a “rat” and a “scumbag criminal” in response. 

Abdelaziz did not take the insult lightly, snapping back at Jake Paul with strong words and seemingly, the threat of retaliation.

Jake Paul is “A Little Prostitute” According to Abdelaziz

“I just tweeted something because I feel nobody know his (Canelo’s) opponent,” Abdelaziz said while speaking to MMA Junkie. “His opponent is great and he (Bivol) beat him, but realistically, this business is about making money and he tried to dismiss Kamaru, but this fight week nobody know who Canelo is fighting. We shined light on him when Kamaru actually spoke. I’m nobody.”

“You see Eddie Hearn talking sh*t. You this little punk, what’s his name, Jake Paul and his people. I’m going to deal with him too because he said some things. It’s funny because Jake Paul never said some things about me. But suddenly, he starts saying some things about me and I know where this is coming from. I’m going to tell you something, somebody is going to have to pay for what he said.”

Abdelaziz further questioned why he was targeted by Paul, but ultimately believes it was a tactic to put more eyes on himself. Similar to how Paul has targeted certain MMA stars on social media to garner mainstream media attention since transitioning to professional boxing.

“He’s pimped, he’s a little prostitute,” Abdelaziz said about Paul. “At the end of the day, they have to bring in MMA, they have to bring in UFC because they don’t get enough attention and they have to speak about us. And honestly, I’m flattered. The whole press conference in Madison Square Garden, Eddie Hern talked about me, Jake talked about me – good or bad, they still talked about me.

“And most importantly, they talked about Kamaru … This little b*tch Jake Paul, he has something coming from me. I promise. Him and who told him to talk about me.”

Abdelaziz’s admitted respect for both Jake Paul and his brother prior to the comments caused further confusion for the CEO of Dominance MMA Management.

“I was shocked because I always praised the kid,” Abdelaziz said. “I said I wanted him to make money, that it’s great for the sport bringing a lot of attention to boxing and I don’t know. I understand where this comes from, I know who told him to say that and they’re going to pay because I was shocked, very shocked.

“Honestly, it upset me a little bit because I have nothing (to say), but great things about him and his brother. I like his brother and I like him. So why talk about me? I never said nothing about him. That’s it.”

Kamaru Usman Couldn’t Care Less If UFC Creates Interim Title In Absence

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman couldn’t care less if the UFC decides to create an interim title in his absence. Currently, Usman is dealing with a hand injury that has kept him sidelined since his last bout. That being a November title defense against Colby Covington, which he was victorious in via unanimous decision. Now,…

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UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman couldn’t care less if the UFC decides to create an interim title in his absence.

Currently, Usman is dealing with a hand injury that has kept him sidelined since his last bout. That being a November title defense against Colby Covington, which he was victorious in via unanimous decision.

Now, Usman is letting his hand recover from surgery, but with no time frame for his Octagon return just yet. He only barely started testing out the hand lightly earlier this month, and is expected to receive an update from doctors in two weeks.

Speaking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Usman was asked about how he would feel should the UFC implement an interim 170-pound title in his absence. From the sound of it, “The Nigerian Nightmare” couldn’t care less.

“Well, I don’t really care about any of these guys because I’ve proven who I am. It’s not like, oh, you just got the title, now you’re out for a year or two years. But no, I believe it’s if you’re out for a year then it’s an interim title? I mean, I just put in a year to cement where I am. And let’s be honest, an interim title really just means you’re the #1 contender.

Kamaru Usman
(Corey Sipkin, AP)

“So I don’t really think anything of it. Everyone knows who the champion is. Everyone knows who the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet is. So that’s all I’m thinking about is my health, and when I can get back in there, and do what I love to do.”

Usman’s tear through the welterweight division has certainly been a dominant one. His list of victories include names such as Colby Covington, Tyron Woodley, Gilbert Burns, Jorge Masvidal, Leon Edwards, and so many more.

He is the most dominant champion the division has seen in some time, and could quite possibly go down as the greatest of all time when it’s all said and done. However, he’ll need to get past this injury, and back in the Octagon, before anything else.

What do you make of Kamaru Usman and his indifference to a potential interim welterweight title? Do you think the UFC will pull the trigger on an interim champion? Sound off below!

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Kamaru Usman’s Thrilling Reign Could Come to an End by Leon Edwards, Says Gilbert Burns

Kamaru UsmanUFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has looked absolutely unstoppable since joining the UFC in 2015. Usman (20-1-0) defeated Tyron Woodley for the welterweight crown at UFC 235. Since then, he has defended his championship five times including multiple defenses against Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. The odd man out on that list is Gilbert Burns, […]

Kamaru Usman

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has looked absolutely unstoppable since joining the UFC in 2015.

Usman (20-1-0) defeated Tyron Woodley for the welterweight crown at UFC 235. Since then, he has defended his championship five times including multiple defenses against Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. The odd man out on that list is Gilbert Burns, who lost in his title bid at UFC 258.

Having both competed against and trained with the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, Burns believes the next man in line has the tools and the talent to end Usman’s reign.

“I’m telling you right now, Leon Edwards is very underrated,” Burns told Brendan Schaub on ‘Food Truck Diaries.’ “That guy is very good. Just think about it: a striker, long and a southpaw. That’s already tough, and that guy has a great team.”

Burns continued, “I know Kamaru pretty well, but that fight is gonna be close. That fight is gonna be close, and I think if you got these three guys, me in my opinion, Colby, Khamzat, and Leon, Leon has the best chance to beat Usman.”

Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards Are Rumored to Face Each Other at UFC 278 in August

Edwards (19-3-0) has won his last nine bouts dating back to 2016. In fact, his last recorded loss came against Usman the year before his active streak began. Edwards lost that bout via unanimous decision and has been working his way to a title opportunity ever since. That opportunity is now on the horizon. 

“I think because he’s a striker, and he can grapple, and he can wrestle,” Burns said. “Very long. These other guys are wrestlers. They can strike, don’t get me wrong. Both guys (Covington, Chimaev) can strike, but they are wrestlers. That guy (Edwards) is a striker.

“I think out of these three guys, Leon has more chance to beat Kamaru, and I think that fight is gonna be close. Kamaru is very smart. He’s been there a couple of times. I think he’s gonna take the fight very serious, but if he doesn’t, it’s a mistake. It’s a rematch, now fighting for the title. That guy’s been waiting for the opportunity.”

Per a report from Ariel Helwani, the UFC is targeting Usman vs. Edwards 2 for UFC 278 in August. However, Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz confirmed to Brett Okamoto that there is no current timeline for the champion’s return as he continues to recover from hand surgery.

Are you excited to see the long-awaited rematch between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards?

Grim Update Provided On Kamaru Usman’s Hand Recovery

UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman’s road to recovery from hand surgery has hit a reported roadblock. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported on Tuesday following a conversation with Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, that Usman is out indefinitely with his injured hand. Usman underwent surgery to repair a hand ligament earlier this year, with an initial targeted return…

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UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman’s road to recovery from hand surgery has hit a reported roadblock.

ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported on Tuesday following a conversation with Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, that Usman is out indefinitely with his injured hand.

Usman underwent surgery to repair a hand ligament earlier this year, with an initial targeted return set for International Fight Week in July. Now, it’s unclear as to when the UFC’s pound-for-pound king will make a full recovery and work his way back to the Octagon.

Usman’s last fight was in a rematch against Colby Covington at UFC 268 last November, as he earned a unanimous decision victory. This capped off a calendar year that featured knockouts over Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal.

Usman is expected to face Leon Edwards for his next welterweight title defense. An official booking for the fight hasn’t taken place and the latest update regarding Usman’s hand seems to point to that as the reasoning for the delay.

Usman has also teased a potential crossover fight against boxing world champion Canelo Álvarez. Both sides have alluded to interest in eventually making the fight come to fruition.

It’s unclear if the UFC will wait it out for the planned Usman vs. Edwards matchup, or if they will book an interim title fight featuring Edwards and another top contender. If they decide to go the interim route, a possible matchup with either Khamzat Chimaev or Colby Covington could make sense.

What is your reaction to the update regarding Kamaru Usman’s injured hand?

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Khamzat Chimaev Calls For UFC Title Fight Against Kamaru Usman: ‘Tell Me When You’re Ready’

Khamzat ChimaevSurging undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has once more called his shot at division kingpin, Kamaru Usman – urging the UFC pound-for-pound best to let him know when he is ready to share the Octagon with him in a championship battle.  Khamzat Chimaev, a native of Chechnya, managed to scoop the #3 rank in the […]

Khamzat Chimaev

Surging undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has once more called his shot at division kingpin, Kamaru Usman – urging the UFC pound-for-pound best to let him know when he is ready to share the Octagon with him in a championship battle. 

Khamzat Chimaev, a native of Chechnya, managed to scoop the #3 rank in the official welterweight pile last month on the main card of UFC 273, defeating one-time title challenger, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace, Gilbert Burns with a close, back-and-forth unanimous decision win in Jacksonville, Florida.

The victory came as Chimaev’s 11th straight professionally, and fifth under the banner of the UFC since his move to the organization from Brave CF in July 2020.

Khamzat Chimaev was initially linked with a title-eliminator against Colby Covington

Off the back of his triumph against Sanford MMA staple, Burns, Chimaev was immediately linked with a potential title-eliminator against former interim gold holder, Colby Covington – with UFC president, Dana White noting his interest in booking a fight between the two atop an ABC broadcasted card. 

With no movement on a fight with Covington – or a speculated July matchup against Stockton veteran, Nate Diaz, Chimaev momentarily switched his focus to championship donning duo, Usman, as well as middleweight best, Israel Adesanya.

In another swipe at Auchi native, Usman on his official Twitter account, Chimaev shared a side-by-side picture of himself and the Nigerian with the caption – “Tell me when you’re ready @USMAN84kg (Kamaru Usman),” Khamzat Chimaev tweeted.

Before his victory over Burns, Chimaev landed a quartet of truly one-sided wins over Li Jingliang, Gerald Meerschaert, Rhys McKee, and John Philips. 

For Usman, the Trevor Wittman trainee has been all but pencilled to defend his undisputed crown against past-foe, Leon Edwards this year in his next outing under the UFC banner, however, an earmarked July return has been halted amid recent surgery to address a ligament injury in his hand.