Tag: Usman

A.J. McKee targets Usman Nurmagomedov for his first 155lb grand prix bout: “I have the advantage on the feet.”

McKeeA.J. McKee has revealed he is hoping to be matched up with Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in his first grand prix bout. Having made the move up to 155lbs, A.J. McKee was a clear pick to be a part of the recently announced Bellator lightweight grand prix. Whilst the first bouts have not yet […]

McKee

A.J. McKee has revealed he is hoping to be matched up with Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in his first grand prix bout.

Having made the move up to 155lbs, A.J. McKee was a clear pick to be a part of the recently announced Bellator lightweight grand prix. Whilst the first bouts have not yet been announced, ‘The Mercenary’ is already calling his shot.

“I want my title, man,” McKee said on the “Weighing In” podcast. “Usman, then. Look, when I signed up for the 145-pound tournament, I proved myself the entire way through the tournament. I told everybody I’m going to finish everybody. So stepping into another tournament, I have to prove myself again? I mean, I have no problem doing that.“

McKee believes there is very little interest or intrigue in a fight with former champ Patricky Pitbull, stating that he was gifted the belt by his brother, Patricio.

“I think it’s the fight that everybody wants to see – on top of, I want to give him a test,” McKee said. “I don’t feel he’s been really tested yet. Patricky (Freire), he’s not a champ to me. He was gifted that belt from his brother – early Christmas present. To be a champion, you must beat the champion.

“For Usman, stylistically it’s just a good fight. We both have the wrestling. I would be intrigued to see that fight. I feel I have the advantage on the feet. But wrestling wise, maybe he can neutralize my wrestling, maybe I can neutralize his wrestling. And once we get to the ground, we’ve seen him pull off some nice submissions and we’ve seen me pull of some nice submissions. So, I feel like we match up pretty equally once it comes to wrestling and on the ground. It’d be a fun fight.” (H/T MMA Junkie)

Would you like to see A.J. McKee vs. Usman Nurmagomedov?

Mohammed Usman KO victory applauded by Francis Ngannou: “A new contender was born”

Mohammed Usman Francis NgannouAfter an incredible knockout at UFC Vegas 59 to win the TUF 30 crown, Mohammed Usman has received praise from none other than the UFC’s heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou. Tasked with facing Zac Pauga, it was clear Usman was facing a dangerous opponent. The two weren’t gun shy to start the first round though, as […]

Mohammed Usman Francis Ngannou

After an incredible knockout at UFC Vegas 59 to win the TUF 30 crown, Mohammed Usman has received praise from none other than the UFC’s heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou.

Tasked with facing Zac Pauga, it was clear Usman was facing a dangerous opponent. The two weren’t gun shy to start the first round though, as both fighters traded willingly, unafraid. As the round progressed, the action became more tactical and reserved. Respect had been earned on both sides, and the pace settled into a slow but consistent back-and-forth, with neither man really looking better than the other.

The head kicks of Pauga were sharp and fast, but Usman’s defense held solid. ‘The Ripper’ clearly was the quicker opponent, while Usman seemed to have the more deadly intent. Winging terrifying hooks and power shots in an attempt to erase consciousness.

The second round began just as the first had, with steady but tactical action. Seemingly out of nowhere, Pauga lunged forward with a jab, and ‘The Motor’ caught him on the way out with a devastating left hook. Dropping Pauga where Mohammed Usman could land a final hammer-fist or two to solidify the victory.

Mohammed Usman Shines And Francis Ngannou Gives Praise

While the world was happy for Mohammed Usman, chief among the supporters was the UFC’s heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Who took to Twitter to show moral support and even jokingly say he was scared of Usman.

“A new contender was born in the heavyweight division,” Ngannou said. “And personally I want no business with this man. Congrats brother!”

With Mohammed Usman’s victory at UFC Vegas 59, His brother Kamaru and he become the first brothers in history to both win TUF titles. With a brother like Kamaru Usman, ‘The Motor’ will undoubtedly be facing high expectations during his UFC tenure. It’s unclear yet as to how Mohammed Usman will do, but if his performance over Pauga is any indication, he looks like he has the potential to do just fine.

Will Kamaru and Mohammed Usman be the first brothers to hold UFC championships simultaneously?