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 yr, 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 earn money. I like cash!” Usman stated on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “… We reside a selected life-style. I’ve a household. I like cash! So, if I don’t struggle, I don’t earn money. Everybody retains going, ‘Oh, you’re not choosing fights.’ I need to struggle, I do. But when I’m not wholesome I can’t try this to the most effective of my capability, 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 on account of damage, although the previous champion did briefly flirt with the concept of stepping in on quick discover at UFC 310 in opposition to Shavkat Rakhmonov. Finally, Usman was not ready to take action, however he believes he will likely 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 struggle, like all these silly fighters which are working their mouths saying, ‘Oh, he don’t need to struggle me!’ Shut your mouth! Nobody is afraid 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 struggle and I can’t wait to struggle to whoop one in all y’all. So shut your mouth, all of you silly welterweights. Shut your mouth and look forward to when I’m wholesome once more. I’ll struggle all of you, I don’t care. Simply be affected person, OK Thanks. 2025 will likely be a fantastic yr for everyone.”
Usman most not too long ago fought Khamzat Chimaev, stepping in on quick discover for a middleweight bout at UFC 294. Chimaev gained a majority choice.
