Kamaru Usman is aiming for a quick return to the Octagon. Earlier, the welterweight champ made his fourth title defense by knocking out Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261.
Following his victory over Masvidal, Usman believes he has plenty of options to chose from, for his next fight. Aside from a rematch with Colby Covington, Usman also has his eyes set on UFC 263. Interestingly, he is considering the winner of Edwards vs. Diaz and also, a potential move up to middleweight.
“With the whole Marvin and Israel situation, I don’t necessarily want to think about that. I’m 100 percent behind Izzy and I think he can pull it out”. Although Kamaru is confident in his fellow Nigerian’s abilities, he is not ruling out a shock upset.
“But if there was ever a case where I would actually go up and challenge for that [second] belt, it would be without Izzy in the picture. So if Izzy isn’t the champ, it’s something we can take a look at”. Usman has also vowed to never fight against Israel, as he considers the fellow Nigerian his brother.
However, if Adesanya was to lose his title to Marvin Vettori, it would open up a lot of new possibilities. For one, Vettori would have to defend the title against Robert Whittaker next. And two, the winner of Vettori vs. Whittaker would likely face off against Kamaru Usman.
Read More: Kamaru Usman declares His Rematch With Colby Covington Will Be a Violent Matchup
Will Kamaru Usman Move Up to Middleweight?
Although unlikely, Usman is serious about a potential move up to 185. If it happens, it will likely be in response to Israel losing his title. Previously, Usman said that he would rather see two Nigerian champions rather than one Nigerian champion with two belts.
Kamaru Usman of Nigeria fights Jorge Masvidal of the United States during the Welterweight Title bout of UFC 261 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 25, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Credits: Getty Images)
However, we must not rule out the possibility that Israel may win against Vettori once again. Even though he is coming off a loss to Jan Blachowicz, Israel has been in fine form prior to that. Moreover, he was undefeated in the middleweight division.
Whilst nothing is confirmed yet, Usman will have his eyes set on UFC 263. As such, we will likely find out his next opponent after the event on July 13th, 2021.
Read More: Israel Adesanya Wants to Copy Kamaru Usman’s Fighting Style To Beat Up Marvin Vettori at UFC 263
