Kamaru Usman on Why Jorge Masvidal Has “100%” Become Champ’s “Next Victim”

By the time Kamaru Usman fought Colby Covington last December, the welterweights arguably had one of the most talked-about feuds going in the sport. Well, things probably haven’t got to that point yet between Usman and Jorge Masvidal, but it looks like they could be headed in that direction.

Usman outlines why Masvidal’s “100%” next

This time last year, there wasn’t much talk about Usman and Masvidal fighting. But, that began to change after “Gamebred” ran through Ben Askren in record-fast time. 

At that time, Masvidal and Usman were fairly respectful toward one another, at least publicly. But as the two continued on a collision course to one another all that began to change.

Especially after Usman pretended to not know who Masvidal was.

Well, as it stands right now, we don’t know when the UFC’s next card will take place. But, while talking to ESPN recently, Usman made it clear he’s fighting Masvidal next (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“We are at 100 percent,” Usman said. “This is the guy. I’ve said it over and over again: Anything you say about me, to me, can and will be used against you, and he has just stepped over that line to where it’s 100 percent.

That’s the fight that I want. That’s the fight that makes sense. That is the next victim, and look at what they just pulled.

I mean, look at the situation they just pulled. You ran your mouth. You said you wanted to fight. All right. Let’s do it.

“Then all of a sudden, oh, it wasn’t working out for you. It wasn’t working out for you, so you pulled out of the fight. So it sucks, but it is what it is.

He for sure has won a date with me. He’s got a golden ticket with his name on it. He’s won a date. That’s the next guy that I’m going to step inside that octagon and put my hands on.”

Usman is referencing the recent back-and-forth he had with Masvidal’s camp, regarding the UFC’s attempt to add the fight to the now doomed, UFC 249. Masvidal said he was up for the bout, but that the UFC didn’t match his asking price.

Usman is down for “fight island”

Before the coronavirus pandemic began impacting multiple nations, the UFC’s plan was to have Usman and Masvidal fight this summer. As it stands right now, however, we don’t know when the UFC’s next card will take place.

Dana White, however, has repeatedly talked about the UFC holding cards on a private island, and in the not too distant future. So is Usman down?

“Absolutely, that ‘Fight Island’ sounds good. It doesn’t matter if there’s people there, if nobody’s there – it doesn’t matter. I get the same paycheck.”

We’ll see what happens. One thing seems certain, the lead up to Usman versus Masvidal should be really interesting.