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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 12: (L-R) Kamaru Usman of Nigeria battles Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 12: (L-R) Kamaru Usman of Nigeria battles Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
After delivering one of the best knockouts of 2021, Kamaru Usman, the UFC’s welterweight champion, sits at the top of the division with great confidence. Having already beaten a majority of the top 10 welterweights in the UFC, the champ is looking for fresh blood in the division.
With Colby Covington probably next, and the threat of Leon Edwards always looming in the background, the champ’s schedule will see him taking up rematches with guys he has already beaten once.
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However, after already beating his last opponent Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal twice, Usman would still consider giving the veteran a third chance at UFC gold.
AND STILLLLLL!!! 👊🏿🌍🤴🏿 pic.twitter.com/RSpyKWvUkx
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) April 25, 2021
In an interview with Ahora O Nunca for ESPN MMA, Usman said, “Yeah, I would. If he went out and did the right things, yes, I would consider a third fight.
He went out and got some wins over some top contenders and really showed the world that he’s still able to compete, then of course. I’ll give him another shot.
Maybe he had a bad day the last fight. Maybe he had a worse day the fight before that. I’ll give him an opportunity to show everyone that third time’s a charm.”
The champ, who fans view as one of the greatest welterweights, further expressed that he respects veterans like Masvidal and Nate Diaz.
A steep road to the title ahead for Jorge Masvidal
Usman handed Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal his first career defeat via knockout in their bout at UFC 261. Masvidal, in an interview, detailed that he only plans to train for a while before jumping back into competition post UFC 261. However, he still plans to return to action in 2021. He also plans to give winning the strap another shot.
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – APRIL 25: Kamaru Usman of Nigeria punches Jorge Masvidal of the United States during the Welterweight Title bout of UFC 261 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 25, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
With ‘The Nigerian Nightmare‘ picking the division apart, the road to another title shot seems long for the Cuban-American fighter. The BMF, who’s ranked sixth at the moment, has a steady climb ahead of him in order to become a championship challenger. The UFC is likely to offer someone that is behind him in the rankings for his comeback fight.
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The immediate future remains uncertain for both gentlemen in the quickly changing landscape of the 170-pound division of the UFC.
Who do you think is next for ‘Gamebred’ and the champ Usman? Let us know.
