Henry Cejudo says Kamaru Usman should 'put African pride aside' and face Israel Adesanya

K. Usman (left) and I. Adesanya (right) have already stated that they have no interest in a superfight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

With the victory over Colby Covington in the main fight of UFC 268, last Saturday (6), Kamaru Usman He defended the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg) for the fifth time and further consolidated himself as leader of the Ultimate weight-for-pound rankings.

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During the latest edition of his podcast “The Triple C and Schmo Show,” the former two-division UFC champion, Henry Cejudo praised Kamaru Usman and gave his opinion on what the next step for the Nigerian's career should be: moving up to middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and challenging his compatriot Israel adesanya.

“You’ve already cleared the welterweight division, Kamaru Usman. You've already cleaned it. He's already beaten Colby (Covington) twice. He's already beaten (Jorge) Masvidal twice as well. You're going to beat (Leon) Edwards again. There is only one way, in my opinion, and that is to go up and face your African brother (Israel adesanya). It’s about legacy”, said Cejudo.

At the press conference after the UFC 268, Kamaru Usman reinforced that, as long as Adesanya is middleweight champion, he has no interest in moving up a division. According to the “Nigerian Nightmare”, having two Nigerian champions is better than having one Nigerian champion of two divisions. Cejudo, however, does not agree with the thought.

“I'm sure it's African pride, I understand it but I don't understand it. To tell you the truth, I really don't understand. For me, it's all about legacy. Someone in the near future will be able to have the same sequence as Kamaru Usman he did, but the difference is: will he be able to win a second belt? And will you be able to defend that second belt? That's what I want from 'Nigerian Nightmare'. I want him to go up and face Izzy (Israel adesanya). I believe he has the perfect style to defeat someone like Izzy, because he has the wrestling,” concluded Cejudo.