Nothing I can’t handle” Kamaru Usman takes aim at the Light Heavyweights before his thrilling rematch with Leon Edwards
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Usman has hinted at a LHW Title run
Kamaru Usman says he is confident in his abilities to go up and take over the light heavyweight division. A statement initially made by his manager Ali Abdelaziz has taken a life of it’s own after immense fan insults, however, Usman doesn’t seem to be joking. He really is willing to jump two weight classes in order to find better competition.
The reason Usman has to make this unbelievable jump in weight classes is because of two main reasons, the first being that his close friend Israel Adesanya rules over the Middleweights and Usman has said he is unwilling to fight him unless it’s mutually agreed for a large sum of money.
The second reason is more practical than the first, i.e. he is running out of competition. With his rematch against Leon Edwards finally scheduled, Usman is only a few fights away from lapping literally every top contender not named Khamzat Chimaev Or Belal Muhammad.
Kamaru Usman aims for Jan Blachowicz after Leon Edwards Rematch
Hence for these reasons he feels he has a better way to solidify his legacy by having the coveted double champ status without even considering the awe-inspiring move up two weight classes. While many thought that Usman would be too small for the division, the welterweight set those ideas to rest this weekend. Posing for a mock-face-off with former Light Heavyweight Champion, Jan Blachowicz at UFC 276, Usman looks about the same size as the Polish man if only a little shorter.
On Twitter today Kamaru reinforced his belief in himself by posting the same photo with a caption that suggested he was not very intimidated by the challenge. He said, “Nothing I can’t handle” alluding to the fact that the physicality of Jan and other light heavyweights is something he can handle.
Usman has also received criticism for his light heavyweight ambitions as they indicate a lack of seriousness in his next actual opponent, Leon Edwards. He addressed the same by saying, “but first the English” referring to Leon and that he was in no way looking past him, acknowledging that his double champ ambitions only stay alive if he manages to beat the Englishman.
Edwards has been on a 9 fight win streak, with his last loss being against Kamaru himself. Since that fight, however, Edwards has vastly improved his wrestling and striking acumen, something Kamaru has noticed and addressed. While Usman has demonstrated throughout his career how viciously his grappling can neutralize most of his opponents in his run-up to the title, since then he himself has fallen in love with his striking.
The two square off in Utah at UFC 278 on August 20. The card will feature Jose Aldo, Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold. How do you think Usman and Leon play out the second time around with both having evolved so far and beyond? Do you think Usman has a chance against today’s top light heavyweights?
Also Read: “I hunt monsters”- Jan Blachowicz alludes to a potential fight against Kamaru Usman
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Jerin Mathew
(713 Articles Published)