In a surprising turn of events, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has made the difficult decision to accept a fight against the dangerous Khamzat Chimaev on just nine days’ notice. Usman recently opened up about why he chose to step in and face one of the most formidable opponents in the world.
Key Takeaway
Kamaru Usman has accepted the challenge of fighting Khamzat Chimaev on extremely short notice, stepping in for Paulo Costa who was unable to compete. Usman is confident in his skills and ready to face the dangerous undefeated opponent.
Upon receiving the call from his manager Ali Abdelaziz, Usman expressed his immediate excitement for the opportunity. He acknowledged the potential for a thrilling match and the chance to prove himself. However, Usman did not want to rush into a decision without careful consideration. After consulting with his coaches, who showed no objections, Usman took the night to weigh his options.
When Wednesday morning arrived, Usman had made up his mind. He texted Ali and declared, “Let’s do this!”
The fight came about due to middleweight contender Paulo Costa being unable to compete against Chimaev due to a medical issue. With less than two weeks remaining until UFC 294, the co-main event was in serious jeopardy. Fortunately, Usman stepped in to save the day.
Now, Usman must face the daunting challenge of taking on the undefeated 29-year-old Khamzat Chimaev. Usman recognizes Chimaev’s skills and considers him to be a formidable opponent. However, he also acknowledges his own abilities and believes he has what it takes to secure victory.
Despite both Usman and Chimaev being ranked among the top 5 welterweights, the fight will be contested at middleweight (185 lbs.). When asked if a win would earn him a title shot, Usman expressed confidence that it would be a no-brainer. However, he emphasized that his current focus is solely on the upcoming match against Chimaev.
As Usman prepares to travel halfway across the world for the fight, fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between these two talented fighters. It remains to be seen how the fight will unfold and what the future holds for Usman in the welterweight division, where many consider him to be one of the greatest of all time.
Stay tuned for the full interview with Kamaru Usman, which covers more topics, including his future in the welterweight division.
