K. Usman (photo) changes gym to face G. Durinho. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @usman84kg
Owner of the Ultimate welterweight (up to 77kg) belt, Kamaru Usman has a new house in preparation for the UFC 251, which takes place on July 11, on 'Ilha da Luta'. Former training partner of your next opponent, Gilbert Durinho, the champion moved from Florida (USA) to Denver (USA) and intends to prepare there for his future commitments.
See too
”Florida was my home base for a long time, but you grow from there. We've always had a lot of guys, some of the best training partners and great coaches. But I wanted more specific attention at this point in my career, someone to say, 'You're going to come here this time and work on this particular skill.' It's really hard to do that when you have 40 or 50 guys in the same room with you who also need attention,” Usman explained in an interview with 'ESPN'.
The Nigerian, however, stated that his decision did not come exclusively from the fact of facing an old training partner. The athlete said that the transfer would be something that would happen eventually. The confrontation against Gilbert only accelerated the process.
“I think eventually I would have to change things anyway. We had a lot of welterweights in the gym. At some point, when you're training with these guys every day and you're the world champion, these guys know you inside and out, and if they get better one day, they'll be hungry thinking it's their time. A little break is good. This keeps the element of surprise because these guys think they know you.”
In the fight against Durinho, Usman will put special focus on his stand-up fight. The athlete will be assisted by the current interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.) Justin gaethje and will try to add striking to his excellent wrestling.
This will be Kamaru's second title defense. The athlete has been champion since March last year, when he beat Tyron woodley, at UFC 235. In December, the Nigerian promoted a true spectacle with Colby covington, UFC 245, and beat his rival by knockout in the 5th round.
Comments