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 likely one of the largest 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 wish to make this clear so everybody realizes and understands, if we don’t combat, we don’t earn money. I like cash!” Usman stated on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “… We reside a selected way of life. I’ve a household. I like cash! So, if I don’t combat, I don’t earn money. Everybody retains going, ‘Oh, you’re not selecting fights.’ I wish to combat, I do. But when I’m not wholesome I can’t do this to the very best of my means, to present you guys ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ that you simply guys are used to seeing, that you simply guys wish to see in that octagon.”
Usman’s layoff was primarily resulting from harm, although the previous champion did briefly flirt with the concept of stepping in on brief discover at UFC 310 towards Shavkat Rakhmonov. In the end, Usman was not in a position to take action, however he believes he shall be able to compete once more this yr, and has a phrase of warning for all those that had been speaking trash.
“So for these of you pondering that I’m not combating as a result of I’m selecting to not combat, like all these silly fighters which can be working their mouths saying, ‘Oh, he don’t wish to combat me!’ Shut your mouth! Nobody is afraid of any of you!” Usman stated. “I’ve been on the prime of the division, pound for pound, with an iron fist, spanking all of y’all for some time. So pay attention, when I’m wholesome, I’ll get in there. I wish to combat and I can’t wait to combat to whoop one in every of y’all. So shut your mouth, all of you silly welterweights. Shut your mouth and anticipate when I’m wholesome once more. I’ll combat all of you, I don’t care. Simply be affected person, OK Thanks. 2025 shall be a terrific yr for everyone.”
Usman most lately fought Khamzat Chimaev, stepping in on brief discover for a middleweight bout at UFC 294. Chimaev gained a majority resolution.
