Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, has fired back at trash-talking welterweights who claim he’s avoiding competition. In a bold statement, Usman dismissed the accusations and emphasized his intention to return stronger than ever once fully recovered.
Usman shuts down criticism: “I’ll fight all of you”
Appearing on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, Kamaru Usman addressed the wave of criticism he’s received from fellow welterweights, including rising star Ian Machado Garry, who suggested he’s afraid to step back into the Octagon. Usman, however, wasted no time dismantling those claims.
“For those of you who keep thinking that I am not fighting because I’m choosing not to fight, like all these stupid guys, these stupid fighters that are running their mouths saying, ‘Oh, he don’t wanna fight me,’ shut your mouth,” Usman declared. “No one is scared of any of you. I’ve been at the top of the division, pound-for-pound, with an iron fist, dominating all of y’all for years.”
Usman clarified that his current break is due to health concerns, not fear. “When I am healthy, I will get in there. I want to fight, and I can’t wait to whoop one of y’all. So, shut your mouth, all of you stupid welterweights, and wait for when I am healthy again. I’ll fight all of you, I don’t care,” he added.
A rare losing streak for “The Nigerian Nightmare”
Usman’s comments come during a challenging phase in his career. Once considered invincible, the former champion has faced three consecutive losses, a first in his remarkable MMA journey. Despite the setbacks, each loss has been competitive, underscoring his enduring skill and toughness.
His trilogy with Leon Edwards ended in a narrow defeat, punctuated by a shocking late head-kick knockout during their rematch. Most recently, Usman stepped in on short notice to face rising star Khamzat Chimaev in a highly anticipated bout. Although Usman lost via decision, his ability to hold his own against a dangerous opponent with minimal preparation earned him widespread respect. “Fighting Chimaev on short notice showed the heart of a champion,” noted one MMA analyst, emphasizing Usman’s resilience.
For a fighter who once dominated the welterweight division with a 15-fight unbeaten streak, this period of adversity is uncharted territory. Yet, Usman’s competitive spirit remains unshaken, as he aims to prove he still belongs among the elite.
The welterweight division heats up with new contenders
As Usman recovers, the UFC welterweight division is undergoing a seismic shift, with younger fighters like Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov vying for top spots. Their aggressive trash talk and rapid rise have added new layers of intrigue to the division’s dynamics.
Garry, in particular, has been vocal about his ambitions, calling out Usman and other established names to cement his status as a future title contender. However, Usman’s message to the division is clear: experience and pedigree still matter in a sport as unforgiving as MMA. “I’ve fought and beaten better fighters than most of these guys running their mouths,” Usman claimed, reinforcing his confidence in his ability to reclaim dominance.
What’s next for Kamaru Usman?
While there’s no official timeline for his return, Usman has hinted at a strong desire to reenter the Octagon in 2024. Whether it’s a rematch with Chimaev, a clash with Garry, or a fresh matchup against another rising contender, Usman’s comeback promises to shake up the welterweight landscape.
For fans, the anticipation is palpable. Can Usman recapture the form that made him one of the UFC’s most feared champions? Or will the new wave of welterweight talent usher in a changing of the guard? One thing is certain: the division is on notice, and Usman’s determination to silence his critics could make for an explosive return.
