Kamaru Usman, the current Welterweight champion has received big praise from Khabib Nurmagomedov. After having announced his retirement last year, Khabib believes that Usman is now the No. 1 Pound for Pound fighter.
In a recent interview with Brett Okamoto, Kamaru discussed various topics. He spoke about his upcoming rematch with Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards and briefly discussed the former champ, Khabib.
After relinquishing Tyron Woodley of the welterweight title, Usman defended it against Covington, Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns. Surprisingly, he called out Masvidal for a rematch after his latest fight.
Kamaru Usman of Nigeria prepares to fight Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020. ( Credits: Getty Images)
As it turns out, Usman wasn’t fully satisfied with how their last fight went down. Previously, the two fought at UFC 251 where Usman was victorious after 5 rounds and a unanimous decision. However, fans remained unimpressed with Usman.
Usman failed to dispatch a Jorge Masvidal who took up the fight with a six-day notice and a half camp. Naturally, the fans expected more from the Nigerian welterweight champ.
Despite this, Khabib remains firm in his belief that Usman is now the No.1 Pound for Pound fighter. He revealed this to his manager Adil Abdulaziz who is also Usman’s manager.
Is Kamaru Usman No.1 in the World Right Now?
Kamaru Usman expressed his gratitude and felt honored about what Khabib said. He also added, “I’m the only guy that’s active and doing it on that level.” He clarifies that while he thinks highly of himself, he always tries to remain level-headed.
Kamaru Usman of Nigeria punches Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251. (Credit: Getty Images)
He feels that it is not his job to tell people what to think of him. Rather, it is up to them whether or not they perceive him as no.1, which he claims to feels, on the inside.
Usman will take to the Octagon on the 24th of April at UFC 261. He will once again want to beat Jorge Masvidal as he looks to retain his welterweight title and ‘rectify’ that he is indeed deserving of the No.1 Pound for Pound rank.
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