“We don’t have 350 lbs guys protecting us,” Tom Brady’s success in 40s not possible in MMA, claims ex-champ Kamaru Usman

Taking a cue from Tom Brady, Kamaru Usman reveals the gruesome battle MMA fighters face as they age.

“We don’t have 350 lbs guys protecting us,” Tom Brady’s success in 40s not possible in MMA, claims ex-champ Kamaru Usman

Tom Brady and Kamaru Usman (Source: IMAGO)

The return of The “Notorious” Conor McGregor has been building up anticipation for some while now. The Irishman recently submitted samples for the USADA testing pool, ahead of their exit soon. He also recently urged in his aspirations to “be all in” for UFC 300 if given the chance. Now Ex-UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has weighed in on his possibilities of a homecoming title contention at a late age, invoking the likes of Tom Brady and LeBron James.

Usman had lost his gold to current champion Leon Edwards (UFC 278/UFC 286 title defense). The fighter sat down with Patrick Bet-David and his team for the “Valuetainment” podcast. Adam Sosnick, one of the co-hosts (the other being Vincent Oshana) asked the fighter if age is vital in the MMA spectrum. With athletes like Brady having been in play way past 40, here’s what Usman had to say:

...Definitely plays a factor [the age]. I mean, we’re not Tom Brady. We don’t have 350-pound guys protecting us and we’re just throwing a ball.Not to say that’s not hard. That’s extremely difficult… but we are literally breaking our bodies, all day, every day...
Kamaru Usman on Valuetainment
YouTube video

Brady, the former #6 2000 draft, Pk 199 (NE) quarterback retired in early 2023. He now owns a majority hold of Las Vegas Aces and is a strategic advisor for Delta Airlines. His last stint was against the Panthers (2022), when he scored three touchdowns in the 30–24 victory. Usman, however, nudged in that fighters toil a lot in preparation; hence such feats at an advanced age are not probable.

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Usman, the 20-4 freestyle sparrer last saw a majority decision skid to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. He has shown interest in another square-off with him lately.

Kamaru Usman teases a possible rematch with Khamzat Chimaev

The all-out welterweight affair of UFC 296 (T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas) saw Leon Edwards emerge a victor. The reigning welterweight was locked in with a scuffle against Colby “Chaos” Covington for the title gold. Kamaru Usman, who has faced both fighters, recently hurled respectful praises towards the latter. A move that has seen the label of being a stunt towards title contention. Usman had previously defeated Covington in title bouts at UFC 245 and UFC 268.

Kamaru Usman teases potential showdown with Khamzat Chimaev
Kamaru Usman teases potential showdown with Khamzat Chimaev (Source: IMAGO/Twitter)

Now, with that out of the way, “The Nigerian Nightmare” has teased a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev yet again. Chimaev fought him earlier this year when Usman performed in a creditable fashion. Check out below what the fighter posted recently on his Instagram story.

Conversely, a lot of fans and peers had tweaked Chimaev for underperforming in the bout. “Borz” had exhausted himself in an explosive first round, later disclosing a hand injury. Thus in all likelihood, a chance to hash it out again between the two would be very possible in the future.

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