It seems that former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman isn’t eager on a dedicated run at 185 kilos shifting ahead.
Followers most not too long ago noticed Usman at heaviest weight to this point, as he made his middleweight debut on short-notice at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi final October.
Seven months on from narrowly falling wanting regaining the 170-pound belt in his trilogy combat in opposition to Leon Edwards, “The Nigerian Nightmare” answered the late name to exchange Paulo Costa in opposition to Khamzat Chimaev on lower than two weeks’ discover.
Usman put in a valiant effort however was finally unable to blemish the Chechen star’s excellent document, with “Borz” having his hand raised at Etihad Area by the use of majority resolution.
The veteran former titleholder’s future has been considerably unsure since, particularly with three-time opponent Edwards remaining on the welterweight throne.
Now, although, evidently Usman is honing in on a weight class and some names…
Usman: Subsequent Opponent Probably One Of Rakhmonov, Garry, Della Maddalena, Muhammad
Throughout a latest look on the Anik & Florian Podcast, Usman offered an replace on his present standing, outlining that his focus is on getting again to 100% bodily well being earlier than making the stroll once more.
And when he does really feel the Octagon canvas beneath his feat for the nineteenth time, the previous champ is seemingly hoping to be again down within the acquainted environment of the welterweight division.
“It’s an attention-grabbing spot, very totally different. I’ve by no means been in a spot like this the place it’s simply, ‘Hey, simply get again. Choose wherever you wanna go and simply get again,’” Usman stated. “For me, I made my profession being a welterweight. I by no means thought middleweight. Clearly when that risk of probably getting a second belt — yeah, I considered it.
“However in addition to that, welterweight simply appears to be the way in which the place I’ve been, the place I’m snug, regardless that for the suitable combat, middleweight is smart, little question about that. … 170, or 185 if it is smart.”
With the welterweight roster seemingly again in his crosshairs, Usman was requested whether or not he expects his subsequent rival to come back from a shortlist of 4 main names — Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, Jack Della Maddalena, and Belal Muhammad. He responded with a easy, “Sure.”
Usman has beforehand enquired with the followers about which weight he ought to make his return at. Whereas a lot have been backing a contemporary chapter at 185 kilos, it appears “The Nigerian Nightmare” isn’t able to bid farewell to his longtime divisional house.
