According to his manager, Kamaru Usman’s desire to fight for the UFC welterweight title next time out is in his hands.
After Usman’s narrow defeat to Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice middleweight clash, the former 170-pound king was absent from the Octagon for close to three years.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ made his return in June, headlining the UFC Fight Night in Atlanta. Showing he still has some gas in the tank, Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley to stall the young contender’s charge and reignite his ambitions of returning to the throne.
But if he is to get the opportunity to achieve that goal in his next fight, Usman might have to return to the sidelines.
Ali Abdelaziz says Kamaru Usman title shot will come down to whether he wants to wait for one year
During a recent appearance on Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast alongside Henry Cejudo, the pair’s manager Ali Abdelaziz laid out the former welterweight champ’s current situation.
Usman turned away Belal Muhammad’s callouts after UFC Atlanta and staked his claim for a title shot. According to Abdelaziz, whether or not that comes to fruition is in his fighter’s hands, but he will have a tough decision to make.
“Honestly, it’s up to Kamaru,” Abdelaziz said.
“If Kamaru is willing to wait — listen, Dana White loves Kamaru Usman. … Also, after the last performance like this, listen, let’s be real, who is the biggest name? Who is the money-maker in the welterweight division? It’s Kamaru Usman.
“But, is Kamaru Usman willing to wait a year? That is the question,” Abdelaziz added.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ acknowledged the call he must make, but for the time being, he does not have an answer.
“You’re right. I don’t know. I get home and I start training next week and it’s like, ‘I’m kind of bored, I need to do something.’
“I’ve been more honest with myself (in recent years) as far as if I am ready or not, if I feel confident and able to get in there or not. Let’s be honest (I am) no spring chicken.
“Yeah, I might not want to wait. Or I might be like, ‘Okay, I need to give some things time to heal.’ It’s one of those situations, I don’t know.”
Kamaru Usman willing to put friendship aside to fight Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev’s move up to 170 pounds was made possible by Jack Della Maddalena’s win over Muhammad, as the Dagestani would not have fought ‘Remember the Name’ owing to their friendship.
Evidently, friendship won’t stop Usman from pursuing Makhachev if he reaches the welterweight throne later this year.
“It’s one of those things that we’d have to talk about,” Usman said during another episode of Pound 4 Pound. “Obviously that’s a blockbuster fight; former pound-for-pound (number one) and the current pound-for-pound champion.
“Islam, I love those guys. Islam, Khabib; I love them all. … Friends make friends rich. Hey, if that’s the situation, obviously Islam and I are mature enough to have a conversation.
“I don’t see why not,” Usman concluded when asked if he’d be open to battling Makhachev inside the Octagon.