Kamaru Usman Opens Up On Choice To Combat Khamzat Chimaev On 9 Days Discover

Kamaru Usman had an almost unimaginable resolution to make Wednesday morning … journey practically 8,000 miles and battle Khamzat Chimaev on 9 days discover, and now the previous welterweight champ is opening up on why he determined to step in in opposition to one of the harmful males on this planet!

“I leave training and I get the call from [manager Ali Abdelaziz] and I’m immediately excited. That’s where you are, you’re excited about what could potentially be,” 36-year-old Usman advised Babcock on the “TMZ Sports” present on Friday (airs weekdays on FS1).

However, the UFC legend stated he did not need “to be hasty and do something unintelligent,” so after talking along with his coaches, who did not object, Kamaru advised his folks he’d take Tuesday night time to determine.

When the solar rose Wednesday morning, the selection was crystal clear for Usman, who “texted Ali and said, ‘Let’s do this!'”

After all, Usman is stepping in for Paulo Costa — the middleweight contender — who was initially scheduled to battle Chimaev. sadly, Costa is coping with a medical difficulty, and wasn’t going to be cleared.

With lower than two weeks earlier than UFC 294, the co-main occasion was in critical jeopardy … however then Kamaru saved the day.

Now, Usman faces an enormous problem within the 29-year-old, undefeated Khamzat … who Kamaru admits may be very harmful.

“He’s very skilled. He’s strong, he’s big. He’s fast, he can wrestle, he can grapple, he can strike. He has everything,” Kamaru stated, “But so do I.”

“At the end of the day, we’re all human beings. Everyone feels invincible until someone pokes that balloon.”

Usman (#1) and Chimaev (#4), are each high 5 ranked welterweights … however the battle’s being contested at middleweight (185 lbs.)

We requested the Nigerian Nightmare if he is been advised a win earns him a title shot.

“I mean, it’s a no-brainer,” Kamaru stated, earlier than making it clear he is solely targeted on KC.

“I’ve got a mountain in front of me that I have to scale. We’ll get through that first and then we’ll worry about what’s next.”

Take a look at the total interview … there’s way more with Kamaru, together with whether or not we have seen the final of him at welterweight, the place he is arguably the G.O.A.T.