Welterweight standout Kamaru ‘the Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman was scheduled to face a striker in Santiago Ponzinibbio. After Ponzinibbio pulling out, Usman had to prepare for a completely different style of fighting in BJJ maniac Demian Maia.
Usman however stood up to this stern test by dominating Maia via unanimous decision. Usman wasted no time in establishing his case for a potential title shot.
Usman had some words for the welterweight champion Tyron Woodley when he appeared on the post-fight show on FS1. Woodley quickly responded with a statement of his own. Contrary to popular belief of a champion-contender interaction, there was respect on both the sides however both where confident about their claims.
“Hey, champ: You know my social media hasn’t changed since I got in the game five years ago,” Usman said. “Welterweight, and I’m coming for that gold strap. And with that performance, even with some handicaps, no one can deny that I’m definitely top five right now in the division.”
Woodley pointed that Usman might have some holes in his game which he might have to fill up.
“Kamaru Usman, congratulations,” Woodley said. “I don’t ever want to take away the credit. Demian Maia is a game opponent. Me as the champion, I’m always welcoming any challenger. Just make it to that point, I’ll be on the other side of the octagon. I did see a couple things that if you do against me, you might end up waking up with the smelling salt. But hey, hats off to you. Great job. Just being real.”
The next in the line for the welterweight strap is definitely the winner of UFC 225 interim title fight between Rafael Dos Anjos and Colby Covington. Another possibility for Usman can be the winner of the fight between Darren Till and Stephen Thompson who meet in a week at UFC Liverpool.
Read also:
UFC: Kamaru Usman believes he should fight for the belt next
SHARE
