Kamaru Usman gives a glance at the future post-UFC 258 and implies no Welterweight prospect interests him.
In less than 2 weeks’ time, Kamaru Usman will step inside the Octagon again and will contest against Gilbert Burns, who has his eyes set on the Welterweight title. The matchup fell through on two occasions and is now booked to headline UFC 258.
Ahead of the fight, both men are apparently indulged in their stern training routines and the fact that both men are former sparring partners opens the possibilities of a slugfest. It is going to be an enthralling fight as both individuals might be aware of each others’ strengths and weaknesses.
In the wake of that, Usman recently appeared in an interview with MMA junkie and gave a brief bout his preparation. The Nigerian Nightmare also provided his take on the other contenders of the 170-pound division and said he cannot foresee a daunting challenge.
“None of them have really broke out where it’s like, ‘This guy is next for me,’” Usman said. “So they’re kind of in that thick and in that picture where they’re basically trying to make themselves the next guy up.”
Kamaru Usman believes Gilbert Burns is his final frontier in the Welterweight division
With a win over Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman has already cemented his legacy in his respective category. Moreover, on February 13 he will make his way with a chance to write further history. But, if he indeed gets the better of Gilbert Burns on that night, then questions like, who could be the next? and will he stand a chance? Will become the prevalent topics to discuss.
“Right now, my focus on is Gilbert Burns. He’s stated that this is a fight that he wants. He believes that he’s that guy, so all my focus is on him. At this point, I see nothing past getting the job done against him. But after that, there’s really no one that stands out. I know (Colby) Covington and (Jorge) Masvidal are kind of pit together where someone goes out there and does something spectacular, the guy … could be the next guy.
“Or Edwards and Chimaev – someone does something spectacular there, they could be the next guy. Of course, paying attention, but no one really stands out as the next guy.”
Also Read: Kamaru Usman heaps praise on rising Welterweight prospect for ‘playing the cards right’ in UFC
‘I don’t need to call guys out’
Being at the top of the mountain, Kamaru Usman is of the opinion that he does not have to think about a potential challenger and says it is the job of the opposite party to draw his attention.
“That’s the thing I had a problem with for years and years, trying to make my way up and all these guys saying, ‘No, I don’t want to fight him because he’s a very high risk and low reward,’” Usman said. “But now, I’m a position that I don’t need to call guys out. You guys have to come to me because I have what you guys think you want.”
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