Kamaru Usman fires back at Shavkat Rakhmonov’s claims that he's avoiding a fight, citing his willingness to face any challenger, including his short-notice bout against Khamzat Chimaev. Usman emphasizes respect in the sport and addresses training with Rakhmonov at Kill Cliff FC. He remains open to facing any opponent when he returns to the octagon.
Kamaru Usman isn't holding back after Shavkat Rakhmonov's recent comments. Rakhmonov, undefeated in the UFC with a record of 18-0, has accused Usman and Colby Covington of dodging him. With Jack Della Maddalena out due to arm surgery, Rakhmonov has his sights set on a title shot and isn't afraid to call out the big names.
"JDM is hurt, Usman and Colby don’t want it. I’m ready to face the winner of Leon vs Belal,” Rakhmonov declared.
Usman, the former welterweight champion with a record of 20-4, addressed Rakhmonov’s claims head-on. During his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman pointed to his willingness to take on anyone, highlighting his recent short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev.
“You don’t become champion to defend over and over because you’re scared to fight somebody,” Usman asserted. He took a swipe at Rakhmonov, emphasizing that he’s been training at Kill Cliff FC long before Rakhmonov showed up. “Before he was dreaming of fighting in the UFC, I’ve been in this gym training and helping my guys get to the top.”
Usman also delved into his history with Rakhmonov at Kill Cliff FC. He emphasized the respect that comes with the sport and his role in mentoring younger fighters. “There’s this thing called respect, and you show the respect in order for you to get the respect,” Usman said. He recalled helping Rakhmonov during training sessions, underscoring that he’s never been afraid of competition.
“I took Khamzat on nine days’ notice. Khamzat was arguably scarier than him, and he’s been hurt,” Usman reminded everyone. “Khamzat hadn’t at that point fought a fight that lasted really till you know – most of his fights ended in the first round.”
Usman reacted to a recently released clip from the “Fight Inc: Inside the UFC” documentary, where Dana White tried to set up a fight between Usman and Rakhmonov at UFC 294. Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, pitched a match against Stephen Thompson instead, but Usman ended up facing Chimaev on less than 10 days' notice.
“I stepped in there on nine days’ notice and fought possibly the most dangerous guy in the UFC at that time, Khamzat Chimaev,” Usman reflected.
Despite the recent drama, Usman remains unfazed about his future opponents. “When I do get back into the octagon, I don’t give a flying frick who it is,” Usman declared. “If it’s Shavkat, JDM, Leon Edwards, or Belal Muhammad, I don’t care who it is. When I’m ready to step back into the octagon and I want to fight somebody, I don’t give a sh*t. I’ll fight who I need to fight.”
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