K. Usman (photo) could break G. St-Pierre's record at UFC 258Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Ultimate's president, Dana White, doesn't hide his excitement for the UFC's main fight UFC 258, which takes place this Saturday (13), in Las Vegas (USA). With the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.) at stake, the 'big boss' was full of praise for the current champion, Kamaru Usman, which faces Gilbert Durinho by title. In an interview with 'TMZ Sports', the president praised the athletes and recalled the record that the Nigerian could break this weekend.
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“In terms of styles, this fight is incredible. I've been waiting for her for a long time. It should have happened sooner, but here we are and I can't wait. As many know, Usman is tied (with Georges St-Pierre) for the most consecutive wins in the UFC, with 12 each. If he (Kamaru) wins this weekend, he will take GSP's mark to 13. He has 16 consecutive victories in his career. He hasn’t lost in seven years, since 2013,” said the agent.
Although the champion's numbers are impressive, the 'boss' does not minimize Durinho's talent, who arrives at the clash to become the first Brazilian champion of the category. For White, the Niteroi native will propose a real battle against the Nigerian and Gilbert's great form only increases expectations for the fight.
“He (Usman) will share the octagon with 'Burns' (Durinho), who is an old teammate. Gilbert is a multiple world jiu-jitsu champion. He is undefeated at welterweight and has a 74% submission rate in his fights. This matchup is fun. The only thing we don’t know is who performed better in the gym when they used to train together,” said Dana.
Finally, the Ultimate president once again compared Usman to the legendary Georges St-Pierre. According to White, if the Nigerian surpasses the Canadian's mark, the champion should be included in conversations about the best in history.
“Usman is a 'silent killer', man. He doesn't beat his chest. He doesn't act like a crazy person. He keeps his head down, works hard and look: he's one step away from breaking GSP's record. If he overcomes Gilbert Durinho on Saturday, which will be a tough fight, he will continue to evolve and, one day, we will all talk about him as the best of all”, he concluded.
The duel against Durinho will mark Usman's third title defense. Champion since 2019, the Nigerian took the title of Tyron woodley and guarded the throne against Colby covington e Jorge masvidal.
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