Kamaru Usman Takes Poke at Jorge Masvidal, Asks Why Conor McGregor’s Gone Quiet

With June fast approaching, Kamaru Usman is ramping up his campaign to secure his next title defense, and the welterweight champ continues to take pokes at both Jorge Masvidal and Conor McGregor.

Usman has questions for Masvidal and McGregor

For much of 2020, the expectation was that Masvidal would be next for Usman, and that the two would likely fight this summer. Masvidal campaigned for a bout with McGregor for quite a while, but as tensions with Usman ramped up, “Gamebred” turned his focus to the champ.

But, more recently, things have changed up a bit. Masvidal recently told Nate Diaz that he’s willing to run it back with the Stockton star. That prompted Usman’s manager to say they’re willing to fight McGregor, if Masvidal doesn’t take a title shot.

Well, since all this, Usman spoke with ESPN. While talking about Masvidal, and the fact their fight has yet to be signed, the champ said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“In the history, when have you seen a No. 1 contender say, ‘You know what? We’re not gonna take the fight to become the champion of the world and be the star that we always wanted to be?

Why would anyone do that? Oh, you’re just trying to get some money because you think that’s an easier fight for you. The guy that you kinda just beat, playing around, that’s a better fight for you?

“Why is that a better fight than being the champion of the world? Or because you know that the champ of the world is gonna beat the (expletive) out of me and I have nothing that I can do about it so you know what, let me try and go over here and get some easy money.”

And what about McGregor? Usman had this to say about the former champ-champ.

“We’re about making history here,” Usman said. “He said that he’s the pound-for-pound greatest of all time across three divisions, this is your chance to prove it.

Go out there and win a third belt in a third division. So why wouldn’t we make that fight? I’m gonna give him that opportunity. If Conor wants it, let’s do it. But Conor’s quiet now. Why is Conor quiet? Who says no to a title shot?”

What could be going on?

First off, hats off to Usman for stirring the pot here. Hardcore fans have understood for a while now how talented of a fighter he is. But, the fact he’s taking pokes here at Masvidal and McGregor should help build his platform.

Now, is it the case Masvidal is afraid to face Usman? It’s not impossible.

“Gamebred”, however, has sounded pretty confident about his abilities to defeat Usman. At the same time, Masvidal has repeatedly said he wants to make as much money as possible. So, this could be why he’s brought up a rematch with Diaz again.

As far as McGregor: it is kind of interesting to see that Conor hasn’t responded yet. Although, that could very well change. It could be that the UFC isn’t too keen on making that fight, for fear of taking Conor out of the lightweight title shot mix.