Kamaru Usman Staying Ready to Replace Tyron Woodley or Darren Till at UFC 228
Kamaru Usman is staying ready so he doesn’t have to get ready.
The No. 6 ranked welterweight contender dropped a message on Twitter on Thursday hinting that he would be ready to serve as a replacement if either champion Tyron Woodley or challenger Darren Till were unable to compete at UFC 228.
“Just a deep feeling in my soul, September 8th I will be the new welterweight champion of the world,” Usman wrote.
Just a deep feeling in my soul, September 8th I will be the new Welterweight Champion of the world!!! ?
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 9, 2018
Following that message, Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz confirmed that “The Nigerian Nightmare” is preparing to fight just in case somebody is unable to compete in the welterweight title fight at UFC 228.
Just to elaborate on what Kamaru said. If someone slips September 8th Nigerian nightmare will be the welterweight champ and duck season will be over https://t.co/GF7nrCPbK7
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) August 9, 2018
According to Abdelaziz, Usman will be completing his medicals and staying ready to make weight during fight week while taking care of his own accommodations and travel expenses just for the opportunity to compete for the welterweight title.
Abdelaziz added that Usman wishes no ill will whatsoever to Woodley or Till heading into the fight but he’s just being prepared in case an opportunity presents itself during fight week.
“If anybody slips up, we’re going to be there ready to fight,” Abdelaziz stated. “If they don’t want to fight, we’re going to take the belt and Kamaru will be the new champion.”
Usman has been champing at the bit for a title shot while riding an eight fight win streak since joining the UFC after winning “The Ultimate Fighter”.
His plan to stay ready for fight week may not be all that ill advised given Till’s history with weight cutting problems in the past.
In his most recent bout against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson earlier this year, Till failed to make weight — coming in three and a half pounds over the limit for a non-title contest — which is the second time he’s come in over the welterweight limit in six UFC fights.
Usman hoped to fight on Nov. 30 against interim welterweight champion Colby Covington but the matchup never came together.
Usman’s manager added that the only fighter who has willingly offered to face the top 10 ranked welterweight contender is Rafael dos Anjos, but for now the 31-year old former NCAA Division II national champion wrestler is staying ready just in case his phone rings for UFC 228.
