LAS VEGAS – According to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, he’s open to any challenge the UFC presents him.
It’s a Conor McGregor fight week, and Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) has been one of the reoccurring names. The trio of Usman, McGregor and “BMF” titleholder Jorge Masvidal have been all the talk during UFC 246 fight week.
Over the past few days, McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) and Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 11-4 UFC) have voiced their opinions on which future matchup they prefer. However, Usman is electing to keep his options open. When speaking to the media Thursday, Usman said he’s going to wait for the challenge to come to him.
“I’m the champion,” Usman said. “That’s it, plain and simple. I am the champion. They have to come to me. There’s a reason now they talk about me. That’s because I have the gold. Anybody can get it. I’ve never said no. When Dana White calls and says, ‘I want to take out this guy.’ I say, ‘When?’ And we get it done. I’m not the one picking and choosing fights. I’ve never turned down a fight ever in my career.”
There was a time, Usman explained, that he would have begged for fights. But that time has passed. Now he has title gold wrapped around his waist, and it’s someone else’s decision whom he fights. If McGregor is chosen, Usman indicated he won’t hesitate to accept.
“I’ve been the one begging for fights,” Usman said. “Now I’m in a situation and position to where I don’t have to beg for fights anymore. They have to come to me. If Conor wants it, Conor can get it, too. I don’t discriminate on the ass-whooping. Anybody can get it.”
While Usman said he’s confident that he’d hand McGregor an “ass-whooping,” he also paid respect to the Irish superstar. He understands and respects the historical aspect of McGregor’s attempt to claim UFC gold in a third weight class.
“Conor is special to the world of mixed martial arts,” Usman said. “That’s the thing with me. I’m no hater. I give credit where credit is due. That young man has definitely done a lot for the sport.
“If he feels he wants to step in and challenge, he’s trying to make history – to actually fight for a third title. I’d be stupid to stand in the way of history and give him that opportunity. Conor can get it, too, if he wants it.”
Before a potential matchup between Usman and McGregor occurs, however, the latter takes on Donald Cerrone (36-13 MMA, 23-10 UFC) on Saturday night.
UFC 246 takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
Conor McGregor or Jorge Masvidal next? It doesn't matter to UFC champ Kamaru Usman