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“I Wanted Specific Attention at This Point in My Career” – Kamaru Usman Reveals Motivation to Switch Gyms Ahead of UFC 251

Published 06/23/2020, 11:28 PM EDT

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Gilbert Burns will get his first shot at a UFC title next month when he faces Kamaru Usman. The duo will slug it out at Fight Island’s first-ever main event to determine the Champion at 170 pounds. They are part of the same team and generally have the same people in their corners. Hence it may have presented an issue at UFC 251. However, as per ‘Durinho’ this will not be the case as Usman has switched camps.

Kamaru Usman moves to Colorado for UFC 251 pre-fight camp

In a chat with ESPN’s Phil Murphy, the top-ranked Welterweight contender said, “Kamaru right now he’s in Colorado. He’s doing his camp over there. Even if it wasn’t me I think he had the plan to go and do his camp out there.”

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It certainly did with ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ himself telling ESPN that he made the move to get specific attention. He said, “I wanted specific attention at this point in my career. Someone to be able to say ‘you’re going to come in at this time and work on this particular skill.'”

The Welterweight Champion said that it is tough to do that with “40 to 50 guys in the same room with you who also need to get attention.”

Furthermore, as per Burns, the pair’s striking coach Henri Hooft has removed himself from the clash. This one aspect will certainly not benefit ‘Durinho’ despite him staying at the same camp. 

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Usman on the other hand could benefit from a few tweaks in his already impressive fight style. Furthermore, he will know exactly what his opponent could bring to the table as he prepared him for the Woodley fight

On July 11, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will look to go 12-0 in the UFC. He has defended his title successfully on one occasion against Colby Covington at UFC 245. 

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‘Durinho’ has been impressive over the last year. In July 2019 he was a Lightweight, but made the move up and won 4 on the bounce to ascend to the top of the division and earn the shot. The familiar surroundings and faces which have helped him over the last 12 months could prove useful as he attempts to become a champion for the first time.  

What do you make of Kamaru Usman’s decision to switch camps ahead of a title defense? Is it a masterstroke or misstep?

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Reubyn Coutinho

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Reubyn Coutinho is a Combat Sports editor at EssentiallySports with over 2 years of journalistic experience. Having earned his bachelor's degree in Mass Media with a specialization in Journalism from Xavier's College, Reubyn has interned with the sports desks at DNA and Times Now before joining EssentiallySports to further his passion for sports content. Reubyn has interviewed former UFC champions like 'Mighty Mouse' Demetrious Johnson and Miesha Tate.
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