K. Usman at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
In addition to maintaining the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.) against Jorge masvidal this Saturday (11), the meeting with the North American in UFC 251 served for Kamaru Usman recognize the value of your opponent. After defeating his opponent in a unanimous decision by the judges, the Nigerian paid respect to his rival, who accepted the confrontation seven days in advance.
See too
“You always have to be a little worried, especially with a guy like him. Much respect. A lot of people were thinking he would be out of shape, but he wasn't. He was training, he came prepared”, said the champion in a press conference after the show.
Masvidal accepted the challenge of facing the 'Nigerian Nightmare' after the division's number one challenger, Gilbert Durinho, was removed from the card after testing positive for COVID-19. Like Jorge, Kamaru had a week to adapt his strategy to the North American's game. Thus, Usman stated that he would like to carry out the confrontation in a better condition of preparation.
“I wish I had a lot more time to prepare for a guy like him. I would do better than today, but I had to do what I do best, which is dominate the opponent”, he concluded.
This was Usman's second title defense. The athlete became champion in March last year, when he took the title of Tyron woodley.
Comments