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Kamaru Usman doesn't think the winner between Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev immediately deserves a UFC welterweight title shot.
Usman believes that, for now, there's a cluster of 170-pound contenders who haven't really separated themselves from the rest of the pack. During an interview with The Schmo, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' said:
"It wouldn't make sense. When you've got a guy like Vicente Luque, you've got a guy like Belal Muhammad, and you've got Gilbert Burns still hanging there, you've got Colby Covington... For you to say that the winner of [Burns vs. Chimaev] is the No.1 contender kinda doesn't really make sense. These guys are kinda in a bunch there and they need prove, break out [to see] who's the clearcut No.1 contender."
Watch the full interview below:
Usman's comments came after UFC president Dana White claimed that the winner of Burns vs. Chimaev will be awarded a title shot. The pair of combatants are set to collide in an all-important welterweight bout at UFC 273 which will take place on April 9 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
The UFC welterweight champ then hinted that he'd want to fight Saul Canelo Alvarez while the rest of the 170-pound contenders sort things out. The Nigerian-born superstar continued:
"But until that time, we know who the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world in mixed martial arts is. And we know who the pound-for-pound boxers is."
Kamaru Usman dismisses Khamzat Chimaev's credentials
Many believe that Khamzat Chimaev is ready to dethrone UFC pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman. 'Borz' only has four UFC wins on his resume but all have been impressive first-round finishes.
As far as Usman is concerned, however, Chimaev's body of work still lacks some high-profile wins. During a press conference ahead of UFC 272, Usman told reporters:
"Well, I mean, this guy hasn’t even fought in the top 10. He hasn’t even beat anyone yet. So, I mean, [Colby] Covington is still standing in the way. So I think there’s still a couple more fights that he has to get through. But, like I say, I love to compete. When that fight presents itself, I’ll be here to compete."
Check out Usman's comments below:
