Apart from making MMA content on YouTube, Kamaru Usman has yet to return to the octagon. The former UFC welterweight champion last fought at UFC 294, where he lost to Khamzat Chimaev. With fans assuming an end to his career, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ has no plans to give up anytime soon.
Usman recently shot a new podcast with Henry Cejudo, where they talked about UFC 304 on English soil. With the welterweight championship on the line at the main event, the former champion discussed his future plans. According to Usman, he will return from his hiatus and target the UFC gold as soon as possible.
I’m gonna do what it takes to earn that “The boogeyman is on sabbatical…” Kamaru Usman warns rest of welterweight division ahead of return to octagon – SportsVikings fight, and then that fight’s gonna happen. Doesn’t matter. The boogeyman is on sabbatical right now. That’s all it is. I still got tread left in these tires, and I’m still gonna show that I am one of the best, if not the best in the world.
Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
While talking about the main event between Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards, Usman revealed that he’s not supporting anybody but will definitely have a close eye on the result. At UFC 304, Edwards is the fan favorite and remains confident about keeping his reign after the fight. Usman has also suggested his old rival give his best against the challenger.
Kamaru Usman talks about his comeback:
“The boogeyman is on sabbatical right now… I still got tread left in these tires and I’m still gonna show that I am one of the best, if not the best in the world.”
🎥 @pound4poundshow #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/pCXMwTonQd
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 23, 2024
As the number one ranked welterweight in the division, Kamaru Usman can return anytime for a high-profile matchup. With three consecutive losses, Usman currently needs some momentum before challenging for the UFC gold. As such, he has called out the likes of Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, and Jack Della Maddalena. What happens in the future depends on what the UFC wants.
Kamaru Usman is well aware of his remaining time in the UFC
Kamaru Usman had one of the most dominant runs as a UFC champion in recent times. The welterweight fighter was entertaining to watch, and fans loved him. However, it was Leon Edwards who stopped his reign. Usman also lost his opportunity in an immediate rematch but doesn’t think it’s over.
Kamaru Usman (via X)Usman is eager to get back and has some names in front of him. In a recent interview, he talked about understanding his current position. The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ talked about being at the end of his UFC career and potentially moving up to the middleweight division.
I know I’m at the tail end, let me finish the career the right way and then decide what else I want to do. So, I’m just getting healthy right now.
Kamaru Usman via Anik & Florian Episode 500
At the age of 37, Usman has one of the most decorated and dominated careers in UFC history. The fighter recently got featured in the ESPN list of the top 10 greatest MMA fighters in the 21st century. A win over a top 5 opponent puts him back into the title picture, but time might not be on his side. As such, he will have to heal up quickly and make a final title run.
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