Kamaru Usman News
Ben Askren explains why Usman vs. Covington 2 makes a lot more sense compared to the current UFC 261 main event
Chris Taylor - March 26, 2021
Ben Askren believes a rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington makes a lot more sense when compared to the current UFC 261 main event. The promotions reigning welterweight kingpin, Usman, is set to collide with Jorge Masvidal for a second time on April 24 exclusively on pay-per-view.
UFC 261 sells out in minutes, breaks arena gate record in Jacksonville
Cole Shelton - March 26, 2021
UFC 261 will be the first event since the pandemic began with a sold-out crowd. Dana White recently revealed the promotion is heading back to Jacksonville for the stacked UFC 261 card and will have full capacity. To no surprise, the event sold out in minutes and White revealed it was one of the fastest sellouts in UFC history. The event will also set the gate record for the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville.
Photo | Kamaru Usman looks absolutely massive ahead of UFC 261 rematch with Jorge Masvidal
Harry Kettle - March 25, 2021
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman appears to be in the best shape of his career heading into his UFC 261 rematch against Jorge Masvidal. “The Nigerian Nightmare” was able to defeat “Gamebred” last summer on Fight Island to retain his belt in a short-notice fight, and now, they’ll be locking horns again in an absolutely vital fight for the welterweight division.
Kamaru Usman performs ultimate troll job on rival Colby Covington
Christopher Taylor - March 19, 2021
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman performed what can only be described as the ultimate troll job on his bitter rival Colby Covington. Usman and Covington have a longstanding rivalry that eventually culminated in a welterweight title fight at UFC 245. That evening in Las Vegas, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ and ‘Chaos’ went toe to toe for four straight rounds, this before Usman was able to put Covington away in the final five minutes via TKO.
Kamaru Usman reveals it was his idea to have the Jorge Masvidal rematch at UFC 261
Adam D Martin - March 19, 2021
UFC welterweight Kamaru Usman revealed that it was his idea to have the rematch with rival Jorge Masvidal take place at UFC 261. Usman and Masvidal met back at UFC 251 on Fight Island last July. Masvidal filled in on one weeks’ notice for Gilbert Burns, who withdrew from the fight due to COVID-19. Though “Gamebred” was able to go the full five rounds with Masvidal, he lost a unanimous decision that night. However, the pay-per-view did big numbers, selling 1.3 million PPVs, and so there was always going to be talks of a rematch. Once Usman knocked out Burns at UFC 258 and was able to turnaround quickly, the UFC decided to give Masvidal the rematch. The pair now headline UFC 261, which is set to take place April 24 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Kamaru Usman says he won’t grant Colby Covington a rematch until he fights a top contender first
Cole Shelton - March 18, 2021
Colby Covington will need to fight and beat someone in the top-five before getting a title shot, according to Kamaru Usman. Usman, who is the current welterweight champion, is set to defend his belt against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261. With those two fighting, Covington is now on the outside looking in. But, according to Ali Abdelaziz, “Chaos” needs to get another win if he wants a title shot.
Georges St-Pierre heaps praise on current UFC welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman: "He’s raising the bar"
Christopher Taylor - March 17, 2021
Mixed martial arts legend Georges St-Pierre has shared some extremely high praise for reigning UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. St-Pierre (26-2 MMA) is a former UFC ‘champ champ’ and is considered by most fans and pundits to be the greatest welterweight of all-time. During his reign atop the promotions welterweight division, ‘GSP’ defended his title nine times in a row. The Canadian superstar would eventually vacate the strap in November of 2013 following a narrow victory over Johny Hendricks.
Stephen Thompson expects Jorge Masvidal to beat Kamaru Usman at UFC 261
Cole Shelton - March 17, 2021
Stephen Thompson believes Jorge Masvidal will become the new welterweight champion at UFC 261. In the main event of the card, Masvidal is getting his rematch against Kamaru Usman, not even a year after losing to him at UFC 251. However, Jorge took the previous fight on just days’ notice and had to fly to Abu Dhabi and cut a bunch of weight. For Thompson, he believes a full camp will allow Masvidal to put up a better fight.
Odds released for Jorge Masvidal vs. Kamaru Usman 2, ‘Gamebred’ offers unique angle for a prop bet
Adam D Martin - March 16, 2021
The opening betting odds have been released for the upcoming Jorge Masvidal vs. Kamaru 2 fight at next month’s UFC 261 pay-per-view. The world’s leading MMA promotion officially announced on Monday that UFC 261 — which takes place on April 24 in Jacksonville, Florida — will feature a full crowd for the first time in over a year. The PPV card is stacked with three title fights, including Masvidal vs. Usman in the main event for the UFC welterweight title, plus Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jessica Andrade for the UFC women’s flyweight title and Weili Zhang vs. Rose Namajunas for the UFC women’s strawweight belt. The UFC is coming back with a great card for the fans.
Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman react after rematch is made official for UFC 261
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2021
Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman have reacted after their rematch will headline UFC 261. On Monday, Dana White took to social media to announce Usman will defend his welterweight title against Masvidal at UFC 261. The fight will also take place in Jacksonville, Florida in a full capacity crowd.
Dana White announces the UFC is back with fans, Jorge Masvidal vs Kamaru Usman 2 set
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2021
The UFC will return to Jacksonville with a banger as Kamaru Usman will defend his title against Jorge Masvidal. UFC president, Dana White took to social media to announce the rematch between Usman and Masvidal will headline the stacked UFC 261 card. Also on the card will be Weili Zhang defending her strawweight title against Rose Namajunas and Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight title against Jessica Andrade. But, the big news White announced is the fact the event will take place in front of a full crowd in Jacksonville, Florida.
Kamaru Usman, Gilbert Burns cross paths at Sanford MMA: "We're going to see each other again soon, in the Octagon"
Tom Taylor - March 9, 2021
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and his latest opponent, Gilbert Burns, recently crossed paths at Sanford MMA in South Florida. For many years, Usman and Burns called themselves teammates at Sanford MMA. Eventually, however, Usman left the gym to train under Trevor Wittman in Colorado. Not long thereafter, he and Burns were booked to clash for the welterweight strap.
Manager shuts down Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal rematch talk
Tom Taylor - March 1, 2021
It sounds like we can pump the brakes on talk of a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal, the UFC’s No. 4 welterweight contender, was on Spanish-language commentary duty for last weekend’s Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim boxing match. After Canelo’s lopsided win, Masvial partook in an interview with Boxing Express, during which he claimed he’ll be challenging Usman for the UFC welterweight title in September.
Nate Diaz rips Jorge Masvidal after ‘Gamebred’ hints at a late summer return
Harry Kettle - March 1, 2021
Nate Diaz has ripped into Jorge Masvidal for suggesting that he won’t be returning to the Octagon until at least August or September. Diaz and Masvidal squared off at UFC 244 in November 2019 which, to this day, is the last time Diaz fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Masvidal, on the other hand, has only fought once since then when he failed to capture the UFC Welterweight Championship from Kamaru Usman.
Jorge Masvidal confirms Kamaru Usman UFC title fight targeted for September, wants future big paydays in boxing
Adam Martin - February 28, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal says a title matchup with champion Kamaru Usman is being targeted for September. There have been plenty of rumors about Masvidal fighting Usman again in a rematch after he stepped up last year at UFC 251 and lost a unanimous decision on short notice. Despite the loss, Usman handpicked Masvidal as his next opponent, and the two are likely hoping they sell another million-plus PPVs for their rematch. Speaking to Boxing Express, Masvidal confirmed that his rematch with Usman is being targeted to take place in September.
Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal 2 reportedly "pretty close" to being made
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2021
Kamaru Usman will likely get his wish of fighting Jorge Masvidal next time out. After Usman scored a third-round TKO win over Gilbert Burns to defend his welterweight title he called out Masvidal. Although he clearly won the fight at UFC 251, Usman wasn’t happy that he didn’t get the finish and the excuse of “Gamebred” taking it on six day’s notice was being used.
Jorge Masvidal rips Kamaru Usman and ESPN's "fake MMA reporter" over comments about Miami
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
Jorge Masvidal has responded to a recent comment from UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman—and snuck in a jab at an ESPN reporter. Earlier this week, Usman partook in an interview Brett Okamoto, who works for ESPN but also regularly appears on UFC broadcasts. During the interview, the welterweight champion laid out plans for a high-profile rematch with Masvidal in Miami—Masvidal’s hometown.
Gilbert Burns explains how Kamaru Usman fight was "way different than our training sessions"
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
Gilbert Burns says his recent fight with UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman was “way different” than their previous sparring sessions. Burns and Usman trained together at Sanford MMA for many years, engaging in upward of 200 sparring rounds during that time. When it became clear that they may have to fight one another, however, Usman left the gym and relocated to Colorado to train with acclaimed coach Trevor Wittman.