Kamaru Usman is tired of the disrespect.
Once the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, Usman has been out of action for over a year, last competing in October of 2023. As a former welterweight champion, Usman is one of the biggest stars in the division and so during his extended layoff, other welterweights have been quick to take shots at “The Nigerian Nightmare,” but as we head into 2025, Usman is sick of it.
“This is the thing, while we’re coming into 2025 I just want to make this clear so everyone realizes and understands, if we don’t fight, we don’t make money. I like money!” Usman said on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “… We live a particular lifestyle. I have a family. I like money! So, if I don’t fight, I don’t make money. Everyone keeps going, ‘Oh, you’re not picking fights.’ I want to fight, I do. But if I’m not healthy I can’t do that to the best of my ability, to give you guys ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ that you guys are used to seeing, that you guys want to see in that octagon.”
Usman’s layoff was primarily due to injury, though the former champion did briefly flirt with the idea of stepping in on short notice at UFC 310 against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Ultimately, Usman was not able to do so, but he believes he will be ready to compete again this year, and has a word of warning for all those who were talking trash.
“So for those of you thinking that I’m not fighting because I’m choosing not to fight, like all these stupid fighters that are running their mouths saying, ‘Oh, he don’t want to fight me!’ Shut your mouth! No one is scared of any of you!” Usman said. “I’ve been at the top of the division, pound for pound, with an iron fist, spanking all of y’all for a while. So listen, when I am healthy, I will get in there. I want to fight and I can’t wait to fight to whoop one of y’all. So shut your mouth, all of you stupid welterweights. Shut your mouth and wait for when I am healthy again. I’ll fight all of you, I don’t care. Just be patient, OK Thank you. 2025 will be a great year for everybody.”
Usman most recently fought Khamzat Chimaev, stepping in on short notice for a middleweight bout at UFC 294. Chimaev won a majority decision.
