Manager Ali Abdelaziz: Kamaru Usman could face Conor McGregor in next title defense

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has another big option for his next title defense.

With all signs initially pointing to a summer showdown with Jorge Masvidal, it appears “Gamebred” may be set to move in a different direction, with the fighter diverting his attention to a potential rematch with Nate Diaz.

According to Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz, if Masvidal isn’t next Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) is willing to give the title shot to Conor McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) instead.

“It looks like #1 contender wants to fight Nate Diaz now . Good for him @TheNotoriousMMA hey you want a title shot? Come to daddy @USMAN84kg will give you one and he promise first 2 rounds without takedowns only slaps “

Abdelaziz doubled down on the situation in a statement to ESPN on Sunday night.

It’s not the first time the matchup between Usman and McGregor has been brought to life, with former dual-champ McGregor expressing interest in winning a third UFC title after his recent win at UFC 246. Usman also teased the option of fighting McGregor in the summer several months ago.

McGregor, who’s yet to respond to Usman and his team, returned in emphatic fashion when he stopped Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds in January, while Usman notched his first title defense last December at UFC 245, when he finished arch-rival Colby Covington late in Round 5 in one of the best fights of the year.