Kamaru Usman is ruled out for Jorge Masvidal’s blood following his successful UFC 258 defense.
After beating Gilbert Burns in a third-round TKO on Saturday’s headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Usman made it clear that there is a fight that interests him above all else: a rematch with Masvidal.
Usman (18-1 MMA, 13-0 UFC) won a dominant victory in the unanimous decision over Masvidal (35-14 MMA, 12-7 UFC) last July at UFC 251, but the fight did not live up to the expectations of many the champion himself – after coming together just six days before. Usman is not happy about this and wants a second go with Masvidal so as not to leave any questions.
“He had a built-in excuse,” Usman told reporters, including MMA Junkie, after the fight at UFC 258. “That’s the only reason he took this fight. We’ve tried to do that fight twice before; he said NO. … He said no. The only reason he took that fight on “Fight Island” is because there was a built-in excuse. He trained all the time, but said, “Oh, I only had six days’ notice, so that’s how it went.” Well, guess what? I’ll give you a whole training camp and this time I’ll stop him. I promise.
“That’s why I was disappointed in the last fight, because I know I can stop him. But, despite all the circumstances that took place, I went out there and dominated it from beginning to end. So this time I’ll stop him if he wants to step up, but I guarantee he doesn’t. He will be silent. ”
There have been ongoing discussions about Masvidal’s next fight against former best friend turned hot rival Colby Covington. At Usman’s request, however, there is a possibility that the promotion will change gears.
However, UFC President Dana White was not required to do so, but said she would at least listen to Usman’s request.
“There are a lot of options for him right now,” White said. “If this is the fight he wants, and this is the fight Masvidal wants, and I’m sure people would like to see it too. … I do not know.”
Usman said that in the end he will overcome any obstacle placed in front of him, but it is obvious that Masvidal is the most attractive for him. If he gets his wish, he promised it would end worse for Gamebred.
“This time I’m going to put it in a coffin,” Usman said. “She does not want this fight. He doesn’t want this fight. I guarantee you he doesn’t want this fight. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t want to. Have I lied here yet? Did I lie to you about anything else? Nothing. I said what I want to do and that’s what I’ll do. We will see if it materializes “.