Latest news with #TheNigerianNightmare
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kamaru Usman no-sells Belal Muhammad callout after UFC on ESPN 59, wants next title shot
Kamaru Usman no-sells Belal Muhammad callout after UFC on ESPN 59, wants next title shot Show Caption Hide Caption UFC on ESPN 69: Kamaru Usman post-fight interview UFC on ESPN 69 winner Kamaru Usman talks to MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight after his decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in Atlanta. ATLANTA – Kamaru Usman did not remember the name Belal Muhammad, or at least he pretended. Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC) turned back the clock in a dominant display against Joaquin Buckley in the UFC on ESPN 69 main event at State Farm Arena. It was the first win for the former welterweight champion since November 2021. After looking like the unstoppable force on the ground for most of the fight against Buckley (21-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC), he drew the attention of another former titleholder, Belal Muhammad. "See you soon," Muhammad wrote on X after the fight. In his first attempt at defending, Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC) dropped the welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, ending a 10-fight unbeaten run. The former champ called his shot for Usman, but it was a name and a shout that "The Nigerian Nightmare" completely dismissed. "Who is it?" Usman responded when asked at a post-fight news conference about Muhammad's callout. "Who is that? Next." Usman has his sights set on the winner of a potential title fight between Della Maddalena and former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. It's a fight that has not been officially announced, but one that has been rumored to be the direction the promotion intends to go after Makhachev vacated the 155-pound title. "Let's be honest, I'm the biggest in the division," Usman said. "This is about entertainment. The UFC is an entertainment company. You want to make the biggest fight. It's going to be the winner of JDM and Islam. If Islam pulls that one out, former pound-for-pound, current pound-for-pound – who doesn't pay for that?" Usman, 38, admits that he's in the twilight of his career, but he still has some gas left in the tank for one more title push. After ending a three-fight skid, which included a pair of title losses to Leon Edwards, and a narrow short-notice loss to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight, Usman struggled to hold back the emotions of a big win. However, he is confident that the next time he steps in the cage, he should be fighting for gold, whether it be against Della Maddalena or Makhachev. "JDM's no slouch," Usman said. "I've said that in his last fight, and he went out there and showed you guys, don't look past him. He's very, very talented. Islam is extremely talented. I love Islam. I think him coming in makes the division a lot more interesting. If he's able to get in there and wrestle that belt away from JDM, former pound-for-pound, current pound-for-pound, I mean, I think everyone wants to watch that."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
UFC Atlanta results: Usman vs Buckley Fight Night highlights and main card winners
Main card opens with Edmen Shahbazyan victory UFC Atlanta opened its main card with Edmen Shahbazyan securing a unanimous decision over Andre Petroski (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Shahbazyan demonstrated patient, measured striking while neutralizing Petroski's wrestling. In the third round, body kicks widened the margin, as Shahbazyan earned his second straight win and continued improving under coach Jason Manly. The victory positions Shahbazyan as a re-emerging contender in the middleweight division. Now 3-1 in his last four appearances, the 27-year-old aims to build momentum and work toward a Top 15 placement. Also read: UFC Atlanta: The Nigerian Nightmare brings "respect back to his name" Raoni Barcelos earns win over former champion Cody Garbrandt In bantamweight action, Raoni Barcelos defeated former champion Cody Garbrandt by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Garbrandt started quickly but faded as Barcelos asserted control through pressure and effective wrestling. Barcelos dictated the pace from the second round onward, limiting Garbrandt's opportunities for counters and finishing exchanges with precision. Live Events Barcelos now holds consecutive wins in 2025 and three straight victories overall. At age 38, the Brazilian remains active and well-rounded, maintaining a competitive position near the bantamweight division's Top 15. Abdul-Malik remains undefeated with technical decision win Middleweight prospect Mansur Abdul-Malik remained unbeaten by earning a technical decision win over Cody Brundage (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Abdul-Malik controlled the opening two rounds with superior striking and cage control. In Round 3, a head clash during an exchange led to Brundage collapsing, prompting a medical stoppage. After video review, the bout proceeded to scorecards, where Abdul-Malik was awarded the win. A graduate of Dana White's Contender Series, he advances to 3-0 in the UFC and continues to climb in the division. Also read: UFC Atlanta: Live streaming, venue, date, time of Joaquin Buckley-Kamaru Usman main fight Menifield outpoints Sy in tactical light heavyweight match Alonzo Menifield earned a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Oumar Sy (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). The light heavyweight contest saw minimal action as both fighters exchanged single shots and engaged in clinch work with limited output. Menifield's consistent activity in later rounds earned him the edge. Menifield's second win of 2025 improves his position in the light heavyweight rankings. Training at Fortis MMA, he continues to present as a durable and experienced fighter within the UFC light heavyweight division. Namajunas outpoints Maverick in co-main event Rose Namajunas defeated Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in the co-main event. Namajunas outworked Maverick in the striking exchanges and succeeded in grappling sequences. After Maverick threatened a choke late in the second round, Namajunas rebounded with a knockdown in the third and controlled the ground position to close the bout. The win keeps Namajunas competitive in the flyweight rankings and marks a strong bounce-back performance. The veteran remains a top-tier presence in the 125-pound division as the 2025 season progresses. Also read: UFC Atlanta: Joaquin Buckley challenges Kamaru Usman ahead of fight night - live streaming details, date, time and other main card matches Usman dominates Buckley in return to form In the main event, Kamaru Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47). Usman implemented a wrestling-heavy approach, securing takedowns in four of the five rounds and controlling Buckley on the mat with effective ground-and-pound. Buckley found brief success in the final round but was unable to shift momentum. This marked Usman's first victory since UFC 268 and reaffirmed his elite standing in the welterweight division. At age 38, the former champion showcased strategic execution and durability, remaining in contention near the top of the rankings.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC news: Worrisome report about Kamaru Usman's health emerges days before return at UFC Atlanta
Kamaru Usman's manager recently revealed some worrisome information about his client that is not a good sign ahead of his long-awaited UFC return fight this Saturday. 'I can tell you, Kamaru — for the last seven, eight years — he had to get six, seven injections to be able to fight,' Ali Abdel-Aziz revealed during an appearance on Submission Radio. 'Knee, shoulder, you name it. He always got something.' Advertisement Related: UFC schedule – Get a look at Saturday's complete UFC Atlanta card Abdel-Aziz also claimed the one-time welterweight champion is in some of the best shape he has seen him in over the last few years. Unfortunately, every fighter, coach, or agent always seems to say things are great health-wise ahead of a fight. The agent's revelation, however, is a fact and is the clearest evidence that the UFC great's best days are way behind him. Usman will go down as one of the greatest welterweights of all time. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' went on an absolute tear after winning Season 21 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2015. He would win 15 straight to begin his UFC career, including five successful title defenses after defeating Tyrone Woodley for the belt in 2019. Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images Kamaru Usman record: 20-4 (9 KOs, 1 submission) But over the last three years, the father time has started to hover over Kamaru Usman's shoulder. The former champ has suffered three straight losses. While the setbacks came against elite talent like Leon Edwards and a middleweight clash with Khamzat Chimaev, he has shown obvious signs of age. Advertisement He is no longer the dominant wrestler he once was, and his hand speed has understandably slowed down. Match that with never being a heavy puncher, and now the competition has quickly caught up to him. The injections over the last few years show his body is quickly breaking down at 38, and after a long career in mixed martial arts and amateur wrestling before that. Usman will face fast-rising welterweight stud Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta this Saturday. Buckley is right in the middle of his prime at 31, and he is a deadly striker. This is the former champ's first fight in close to two years. Also Read:: Updated UFC welterweight rankings: Michael Morales literally knocks Gilbert Burns out of top 10 Related Headlines
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kamaru Usman on potential Islam Makhachev fight: 'Another blockbuster before I sail off'
Kamaru Usman on potential Islam Makhachev fight: 'Another blockbuster before I sail off' Kamaru Usman is all for Islam Makhachev's move up to the UFC welterweight division. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) vacated his UFC lightweight title and will get an immediate title shot against newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later in the year. Although former champion Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) is trying to re-enter the title picture when he faces Joaquin Buckley (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in Saturday's UFC on ESPN 69 headliner (ESPN, ESPN+) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, he sees Makhachev's inclusion in his division as a positive one. "There's a reason this is the marquee division in the sport, almost in all sports, around this weight class, from lightweight to welterweight," Usman told Kevin Iole. "It's the marquee weight class for excitement. I love it. I love Islam coming up. At one point I probably would have been a little annoyed with it, but I'm older and I'm wiser now. "At the same time, I love Islam, and I really care for him. If this was the decision he wanted to make and chose to make, then I'm all for it. As it pertains to me as a fighter, I love it. I believe he's next to challenge for that title. As a champion going up, you absolutely should get that opportunity, if you're willing to vacate the belt like he did. I love it." Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) snapped Belal Muhammad's 11-fight unbeaten run to claim the welterweight title at UFC 315. He managed to stop the majority of Muhammad's takedowns and hurt him on the feet, a similar game plan he'll likely have to impose against Makhachev. If both Usman and Makhachev emerge victorious in their next fights, "The Nigerian Nightmare" is excited at the possibility of adding another marquee name to his resume. "I think him and Jack, I think that's a fantastic fight," Usman continued. "I don't count Jack out. Jack is very a formidable opponent. I said that even before his last fight. I said this is a guy, if you sleep on him, he will ruin your day. He went out there and he ruined Belal's year. ...JDM is definitely no easy out for anybody. "So, it's not just a shoo-in, Islam is going to come in and get that belt. I do think Islam has the ability to do it, but it's not going to be easy. Fast forward, I mean current pound-for-pound vs. former pound-for-pound, I think that's a blockbuster. That would be a great outing to go out there and get another blockbuster before I sail off."
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kamaru Usman reveals moment that took him 'over the edge' prior to fighting Gilbert Burns
Kamaru Usman reveals moment that took him 'over the edge' prior to fighting Gilbert Burns Kamaru Usman says he dealt with the most emotional camp of his career while preparing to fight his friend, Gilbert Burns. Usman, who was UFC welterweight champion at the time, was caught off guard when longtime training partner Burns called him out after beating Tyron Woodley in May 2020. It was during the time Usman was seeking help from Trevor Wittman, and he felt that his gym, Kill Cliff FC, was taking sides when it came to his fight with Burns. Usman and Burns ended up being matched up in a title fight at UFC 258 in 2021, which "The Nigerian Nightmare" won by third-round TKO. Although it was hard for Usman to deal with the emotional build-up, there was one particular moment that helped motivate him to beat Burns. "All of these things were festering, and then I see posts and then what really took me over the edge was watching the 'Countdown,'" Usman said on his "Pound 4 Pound" podcast with Henry Cejudo. "He was walking with Pedro and Josh. They were walking along maybe some little canal, and they're talking, and he asked them – and I love Pedro. I used to love playing with Pedro when he was small, and he says, 'Who's going to be the new champion?' And Pedro and Josh were like, 'Daddy.' "'Who's going to take this belt?' And they were like, 'Daddy, you're going to take the belt.' It just hit me in my heart. I don't know why. Like I say, athletes at the highest level. You find little things to motivate you. I don't know why it triggered me, but it hit me in a way where I was like, I love that little boy. I play with him all the time and the whole time, you start getting paranoid. I'm like, 'The whole time y'all were plotting to take my title, take food away from me'" As soon as he finished Burns, Usman yelled, "Taking what from who?" However, immediately after, the emotions started kicking in for Usman as he watched a deterred Burns in tears. The training partners ended up embracing. "Once the fight took place, it didn't hit me until right after at the end of the fight," Usman said. "I'm being animated, and I'm up, and I'm up and then, out the side of my eye, I see Gilbert down here and then I see my coach, Trevor was like, 'Yeah, fight's over.' I see him and it hit me like, 'Bro, that's my boy, that's my friend,' and I just got crushed."
