Kamaru Usman is ready to make a comeback. The former UFC welterweight champion has been on a losing streak for some time now. He is ready to show the rest of the division what fighting a top contender looks like. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ recently listed a couple of names who will likely face him in his next bout in the UFC octagon.
Kamaru Usman recently sat down with Henry Cejudo for a conversation on his Pound 4 Pound podcast. During the discussion, Usman talked about his potential return to the welterweight division. It was then that he revealed four probable opponents – Shavkat Rakhmonov, Jack Della Maddalena, Ian Garry, and Belal Muhammad for his next welterweight showdown.
There is a huge chance that it comes down to one of these guys… And of course, staying at welterweight I would have to choose one of these guys. It’s up to me to go show them… they’re not on my level yet. That I’ve been doing this. That I have been, always will be the boogeyman of that welterweight division.
Kamaru Usman on Pound 4 Pound podcast
Kamaru Usman was an active champion in the welterweight division. In over two years the Nigerian successfully defended his belt five times. However, after losing to Leon Edwards in their title rematch, he moved up weight classes for a last-minute showdown against Khamzat Chimaev. While everyone was confused if the move to middleweight was permanent, Usman’s latest statement is proof that the former welterweight champion would be back for his title.
Kamaru Usman says there’s a huge chance that his next opponent will be either Shavkat, Ian Garry, JDM or Belal 👀
“It’s up to me to go show them… they’re not on my level yet. That I’ve been doing this. That I have been, always will be the boogeyman of that welterweight… pic.twitter.com/4UIuED0NsC
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 18, 2024
Usman is still the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division as per UFC rankings. The former champion has not fought a welterweight contender in over a year. Usman clarified that he had no problem with either of the four contenders he named. They are simply the hot prospects that he needs to take on as the #1 contender to show them their place in the division.
Georges St-Pierre fulfilled his bet with Kamaru Usman
UFC veterans Georges St-Pierre and Kamaru Usman made a friendly bet before Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. St-Pierre supported the Oilers, while Usman is a Panthers fan. GSP bet Usman that the losing side’s supporter would have to do 30 push-ups while wearing the winning team’s jersey.
Georges St-Pierre loses to Kamaru Usman (Image via Imago)The Florida Panthers did not fail Usman that day. They clinched their first-ever Stanley Cup with a 2-1 victory in a hard-fought game. Consequently, Georges St-Pierre had to fulfill the bet by doing the 30 push-ups in a Florida Panthers jersey. Fans were thrilled to see the UFC legend hold his end of the wager.
Meanwhile, Usman celebrated the Panthers’s win on Instagram. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ was not in the best of health while he attended the game. Usman was caught limping due to his knee injury. Also present were Stephen A. Smith and Charles Barkley who took a picture with the former champion.
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