Kamaru Usman Explains “Who” Remarks About Jorge Masvidal

After Kamaru Usman asked who Jorge Masvidal is more recently, in response to questions from reporters, it wasn’t long before “Gamebred” went on the offensive. But, in a more recent interview the welterweight champ gave, Usman explained why he asked the question that has spiked tensions with the contender.

Usman explains the “who” comments

As a result of Masvidal’s 2019 campaign, which saw him take out Darren Till and Ben Askren, before he defeated Nate Diaz in November, “Gamebred” has moved into title contention. Although Masvidal has said he’d rather fight Conor McGregor next, many believe he could be next for the champ Usman.

Well, due to this, recently Usman has been asked about the possibility of fighting Masvidal, and the rising star has responded with a “who?” This didn’t sit well with Masvidal, and since then, he’s been calling the Usman an “owl”and has promised to make “owl soup” out of the champ.

So, why has Usman been tossing out a “who” when asked about Masvidal? When in the past, he has talked about Masvidal publicly? During a more recent interview with MMA Fighting, the talented fighter said this:

“He’s misunderstanding me,” Usman said. “He’s playing that angle that I’m saying I don’t know who he is. I know exactly who he is and I’ve given him props. That’s the one thing about me, I’m not a hater in any way, shape, form or fashion. I give respect where respect is due. Him fighting, yeah, I know him fighting but when they brought up you fight Jorge Masvidal next I’m like ‘who?’

“There are guys that are more deserving [of a title shot]. Jorge Masvidal doesn’t have a win over anyone in the top six. Does not have a win over anybody in the top six. I’ve beaten five of the top six guys in the division. That’s why I said that.”

“He’s putting out that video saying I don’t know who he is. I absolutely know who he is. There’s just guys who are absolutely more deserving,” Usman said. “You’re telling me right now if Georges St-Pierre comes back, he’s not more deserving of that title shot than Jorge Masvidal? Absolutely he gets it.”

Does Usman have a point?

Are there other fighters who deserve a title shot more than Masvidal? Well, if we just look at the UFC rankings, Tyron Woodley is #1, Colby Covington is #2, and Masvidal is #3. So, from that perspective, you could make the case Masvidal is next in line, since Usman has already defeated Tyron and Colby.

But, the #4 ranked Leon Edwards has won eight in a row, and during that run he’s defeated contenders like Donald Cerrone, Gunnar Nelson and most recently, Rafael dos Anjos. The latter is ranked #4. So, what do you think? Does that streak have Masvidal beat?