Kamaru Usman is keen to make a quick return to the Octagon. Previously, 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 fight with YouTube sensation, Jake Paul.
” I think Leon Edwards is fighting Nate Diaz. I think the winner of that fight could be someone else that I face in the near future”. Interestingly, Kamaru also mentions Jake Paul as a possible avenue. “We’ve got this YouTube fighter, running his mouth now. I think that’s a guy that I can go out and knock out really quickly and make it home for dinner”. Clearly, the welterweight champ does not see Jake as a real obstacle.
However, Usman does point out saying, “Right now, the YouTube guy is making more noise than the other guys”. Kamaru has taken great offense to Paul’s behavior towards former UFC champ, Daniel Cormier. Cormier and Jake have beefed on social media and almost came to blows during the UFC 261 live event. As such, Kamaru feels that is a necessity to put Jake back in his place.
Additionally, Usman has also spoken about a potential move up to middleweight. However, Usman clarifies that he will consider the move if his fellow Nigerian, Israel Adesanya, is no longer champion. “So if Izzy isn’t the champ, it’s something we can take a look at,” he says.
Read More: Kamaru Usman Reveals He won’t Move Up to Middleweight as Long as Israel Adesanya Is the Champ
Who Does Kamaru Usman Fight Next?
Whilst the UFC views a rematch with Colby as a more profitable proposition, UFC 263 could provide them with another option. Kamaru Usman feels that if Edwards or Nate Diaz impress him, he would be open to fighting either of them. However, his rivalry and animosity towards Covington are likely to drive a hard bargain in his mind.
Kamaru Usman of Nigeria strikes Colby Covington in their UFC welterweight championship bout during the UFC 245 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Credits: Getty Images)
Previously, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ fought Covington at UFC 245. In the fifth round, the fight was recorded as a KO/TKO win for Usman after he allegedly broke Colby’s jaw. Even though Covington denies this, it was clearly visible after a brutal punch from Usman.
Although Colby has been pining for a rematch since then, he has not done anything to warrant a title shot. According to Usman, Colby needs to prove himself and ‘show something’ to attract the champ’s attention. In the meanwhile, Usman will be monitoring the position of Leon Edwards, Nate Diaz, and also Michael Chiesa.
Read More: Kamaru Usman says Charles Oliveira inspiring but Khabib Nurmagomedov is still the best
