Kumaru Usman wants to face off against Khamzat Chimaev at welterweight. Usman and Chimaev may fight each other at the UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi. As per Dana White, the UFC would be willing to book Chimaev vs. Usman if it happened at 185 pounds.
However, Chimaev significantly underweighted in his initially planned welterweight fight against Nate Diaz last September. So, even though Usman respects Chimaev as a fighter, he really wants him to cut weight and fight him at 170 pounds. But Chimaev has a response of his own!
Continue reading to find out the details of his comments and the reaction he got!
According to Usman, he had visited Dana’s office and made a request regarding Chimaev, who was being touted as the next contender in the division. Usman mentioned that he had asked Dana to set him up against Borz. He further stated that he had been, and still remained, the boogeyman of the division. Usman said that he had requested the fight, emphasizing Chimaev’s need to cut weight and accept the challenge. He acknowledged Chimaev’s claim of being the boogeyman and praised his skills, describing him as a highly-skilled fighter whom he admired.
Usman commented that if someone wants to fight, they should be willing to cut the weight and engage in the match. He mentioned that Borz no longer wants to do that. Usman explained that his potential opponent had attained financial stability and was enjoying his life. Consequently, he no longer desired to cut weight and instead preferred to alter the conditions to suit him. Usman expressed that if someone wants to become a champion, they should follow the gold standard, which involves cutting weight and making the fight happen.
Usman expressed his skepticism when asked if he would accept the fight at middleweight, scoffing at the suggestion. He questioned the reasoning behind approaching him for a fight in the 185-pound division, pointing out that Khamzat was ranked as No. 3 in the welterweight division.
Regarding Chimaev’s intentions, Usman doubted his seriousness about facing him. He stated that Chimaev frequently engaged in online interactions with him, characterizing it as flirting. According to Usman, Chimaev’s online behavior was aimed solely at seeking attention and increasing his popularity, suggesting that he was using Usman to gain clout.
On the other hand, Khamzat Chimaev responded to Usman on Twitter. He mocked him, saying you are boogeyman, but I am Wolf, so Usman should come up.
What do you guys think of this interaction? Will Chimaev make weight or leave Usman hanging? Comment your predictions below!
