Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, has made headlines following his response to Joaquin Buckley’s callout after Buckley’s impressive victory over Colby Covington at UFC Tampa. Usman, who has been recovering from injuries, expressed his willingness to fight but emphasized the importance of being fully healthy before stepping back into the octagon.
Key Takeaways
- Kamaru Usman is open to fighting Joaquin Buckley but insists on being 100% healthy first.
- Buckley called out Usman after his win over Covington, gaining significant crowd support.
- Usman believes he matches up well against Buckley, citing their different wrestling styles.
Usman, with a professional record of 20 wins and 4 losses, has been a prominent figure in the welterweight division. After Buckley’s recent win at UFC on ESPN 63, where he stopped Covington, the callout was expected. During his post-fight interview, Buckley mentioned Usman as a potential opponent, which resonated with the fans at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
In his podcast, "Pound 4 Pound," Usman likened his situation to being the "hot chick at the bar," indicating that many fighters are eager to face him. However, he reiterated that he will not compete until he is fully prepared.
“I don’t care who it is. Shavkat, Belal, Ian, Buckley, JDM, I don’t care who it is. One thing that I won’t do… is compete when I’m not ready,” Usman stated.
Usman was present at the event to observe Buckley’s performance against Covington. He noted that while Buckley performed well, he believes he can exploit weaknesses in Buckley’s game, particularly in wrestling. Usman remarked,
“I remember watching the Buckley fight and I was drained from the whole card, but I remember watching going, ‘Oh, I like that fight. I really like that matchup.’”
Usman’s Perspective on the Division
Usman has faced criticism for not accepting a short-notice fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. He clarified that he is willing to fight anyone but wants to ensure he is in peak condition.
- Usman’s Strategy: He plans to reclaim his title and is focused on fighting top contenders when he is ready.
- Potential Matchups: If a fight with Buckley does not materialize, Usman suggested that Buckley should consider a matchup with Ian Machado Garry, who recently lost to Rakhmonov.
Usman’s insights into the welterweight division highlight his strategic thinking and desire to return to championship form. He believes that both Rakhmonov and Garry have vulnerabilities that can be exploited, and he is keen to demonstrate his skills against the best in the division.
Conclusion
As Kamaru Usman continues his recovery, the anticipation builds around his potential return to the octagon. With fighters like Joaquin Buckley eager to challenge him, fans are left wondering when and against whom Usman will make his comeback. His commitment to fighting only when fully prepared underscores his determination to reclaim his status as one of the top fighters in the UFC.
