“Give me a couple extra rounds,” Kamaru Usman’s reveals doubting shape for Khamzat Chimaev fight on short notice clash

Kamaru Usman candidly discusses his recent loss to Khamzat Chimaev, shedding light on the events of UFC 294.

“Give me a couple extra rounds,” Kamaru Usman’s reveals doubting shape for Khamzat Chimaev fight on short notice clash

Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman (Image via IMAGO)

Kamaru Usman saved the UFC 294 co-main event by substituting for an injured Paulo Costa at the very last moment. Going into the fight, Usman was already on a two-fight losing streak against Leon Edwards. In that situation, taking a fight against a competitor like Chimaev was really a gutsy move that was appreciated by a lot of fight fans.

Despite losing the bout via decision, Usman put on a great performance and gave Chimaev a run for his money. After the fight, Usman was extremely disappointed and unpleasant about the loss.  While talking about the fight, the fighter said,

"I came off the couch in 10 days and fighting a young hungry bull like that. He's big, he's strong, he's had a year and half to really grow into this weight class. I didn't trust my shape, I'm a championship fighter and you can't start slow like that. Give me a couple of extra rounds. I think the world knows what that result might be." 
Kamaru Usman to ESPN
YouTube video

Usman openly admitted that he entered the fight unprepared, lacking confidence in his physical readiness. Additionally, facing a formidable and well-prepared opponent like Chimaev, he acknowledged the challenge. 

Usman highlighted his prior experience in mainly five-round championship fights and expressed a desire for additional rounds when competing against Chimaev at UFC 294.

Kamaru Usman shares motivational message after his loss against Khamzat Chimaev

Kamaru Usman was one of the most dominant champions of the modern MMA era. During his reign as the welterweight champion, he cleared out the whole division and fought everyone who challenged his throne. 

Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev
Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev (Image via UFC)

Usman was part of some of the biggest PPV events and was looking unstoppable until he met Leon Edwards and got dropped in the last round at UFC 278. The fight against Khamzat Chimaev was supposed to be his comeback fight and many fans were expecting him to give Chimaev his first loss. 

It didn’t go according to Usman’s plan but it seems like the fighter has already made peace with it. Usman recently shared a tweet on his official account talking about how he took the chance to be great but failed but he doesn’t want to complain about the situation.

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