Imago
(Image Courtesy: Imago)
Imago
(Image Courtesy: Imago)
Kamaru Usman is looking forward to reclaim his throne as the welterweight champion. The current number-one-ranked welterweight contender is thirsty for a fight but there?s just one problem, there?s no opponent yet!
Usman has been on the sidelines since his loss to Leon Edwards in March as he headlined the UFC 268. Ever since there have been links to potential future clashes for the ex-UFC welterweight champion. And in a recent interview, Usman shared his views on having a match with one of his possible opponents.
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A bout with the unbeaten
Among the many possible candidates that may fight Kamaru Usman, Shavkat Rakhmonov?s name comes up as a very probable one. The Uzbekistan-born contender has been unbeaten so far with 17 wins and no losses. While this may seem like the perfect matchup, Usman thinks otherwise.
In an interview, Usman shared why is not interested in fighting Rakhmonov. According to the 36-year-old, since they happen to train with the same coach and he does not want to put his coach through the situation.
Kamaru Usman on why he's not interested in the Shavkat fight pic.twitter.com/142phmFmV4
— AWUREDO (@AOUREDOO) August 2, 2023
Following up on the statement, Usman shares that if the match isn?t for a title, there?s no point, ?If you’re fighting for this title that’s his dream, that’s what he’s trained for, he’s made his way to the title, it’s inevitable. I can’t deny a man that. But if you’re not fighting for the title when there’s a plethora of other guys to fight, I don’t want to put Henri (coach) in that situation?.
Hard to digest?
Post the statements, fans started tweeting their reactions to Kamaru Usman’s reason behind not wanting to fight the Uzbek. Many fans called him out for being ‘scared’ while some claimed that Usman is looking forward to securing a title bout in the future by looking for an easy fight. Here are some reactions –
The worst part about these situations is that if Shavkat were next for a title fight and Usman were trying to make his way back up the rankings, he would punch his own family in the face just to secure that fight.
Fake modest is lame.
— PowerfulOD (@PowerfulOD) August 3, 2023
Just say ur scared 😂😂
— Ben (@Rwn1923Ben) August 3, 2023
This dude should retire. Doesn’t wanna fight the top guys but wants to fight Wonderboy lmfaooo
— Hunter Da Plug (@jonaegonsnow23) August 3, 2023
Anyone wishes to compete for title next should be fighting Usman first
— SWEENAL 🇮🇳 (@sweenal3) August 3, 2023
After losing twice he needs some easy fight to get his confidence back. Shavkat is pretty strong opponent for him he just don't want to have 3 in a row.
— vahyochi (@vahyochi) August 2, 2023
https://twitter.com/streekh/status/1686818124031475729
https://twitter.com/IrishPaisan/status/1686831965503184897
My man reacted to the name of Shavkhat like he's seen a ghost 😂
Don't be scared homie, take the fight pic.twitter.com/TtvG1But47
— Phill Russell (@PhillRussell89) August 3, 2023
What’s next on the plate for the two fighters?
Kamaru Usman has shown his interest in fighting Stephen Thompson, who last faced Kevin Holland in a TKO win for the Wonderboy.
Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov has booked himself in a co-main event bout at the UFC Fight Night in September against Kelvin Gastelum, the former interim middleweight title challenger. Who do you think Usman will fight next and will Shavkat be able to continue his unbeaten streak against Gastelum? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Edited by
Anuj Jacob