Kamaru Usman has received big praise from Ali Abdelaziz. The welterweight champ is all set to face Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261.
Ali is the manager of many UFC fighters. Ali’s clients include Henry Cejudo, Justin Gaethje, and Kamaru, to name a few. He was also the manager of Khabib Nurmagomedov before his eventual retirement.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, he discussed his fighters and their upcoming bouts. Particularly, he touched on the situation between Usman and Masvidal.
Kamaru Usman of Nigeria elbows Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251. (Credits: Getty Images)
According to Ali, Masvidal called Usman a ‘coward’. Firstly, he refutes the claim and then explains that Masvidal should instead be thankful. “He should thank Kamaru. He’s going to get paid fighting Kamaru.”
Abdelaziz also says that being the current champ, Kamaru has given Masvidal another shot at the title. He says that Kamaru didn’t necessarily need to fight Jorge, but he still did. “You cannot call this man a coward,” he says.
Ali does admit, however, that Masvidal brings more ‘eyeballs’ to the fight than any other opponent. He also hints that perhaps it is all just Masvidal’s way of promoting the fight.
Read More: Kamaru Usman putting punch calendar for Jorge Masvidal Rematch
Road to No.1 for Kamaru Usman
Previously, Kamaru Usman has reiterated that he wishes to be No.1 in the Men’s pound for Pound rankings. His manager and even ex-fighters like Khabib, feel that the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ is well capable of achieving this feat. Jon Jones currently holds the top spot on the list.
Kamaru Usman of Nigeria punches Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251. (Credit: Getty Images)
” He’s the champ, he’s supposed to beat you,” Ali adds. He also highlights the fact that Kamaru is better than Masvidal in every department. Furthermore, he adds how there needs to be respect between the fighters.
Usman won the last fight via ‘U-Dec’ at UFC 251. However, Ali predicts the result will be similar this time despite Masvidal having a full camp. UFC 261 will unfold at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville on April 24, with an expected crowd of 15,000.
Read More: Kamaru Usman Reveals Why He Decided to Take Jorge Masvidal Rematch
