HOUSTON – [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] isn’t concerned with [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]’s striking pedigree.
Although the bout hasn’t been officially announced, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the intention is to have welterweight champion Usman defend his title against Masvidal in July.
When asked about the stylistic matchup with Masvidal, who’s taken out three straight opponents, Usman made it clear that he likes his chances on the feet.
“Let’s weigh it out right now: me standing with Masvidal or me standing with Tyron Woodley, which one is a little more … yeah, Tyron Woodley more power, Tyron Woodley could touch you and put you out,” Usman said. “I should be worried about Masvidal? He couldn’t knock out Nate Diaz, and I should worry about Masvidal? Come on, man.”
Usman proved that he’s more than just a wrestler in his championship winning performance over Tyron Woodley last year. He put the pressure on Woodley from the start, stifling his offense with forward pressure.
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In his first title defense, Usman outlasted Colby Covington at UFC 245 in a stand-up war, where he dropped Covington numerous times. He was able to put Covington away with under a minute left in the fight, showing off his ability to stand and trade. Usman has yet to lose in the UFC, cleaning out marquee names in the division, including top contender Leon Edwards.
When stacking up his resume against Masvidal’s, Usman says the difference is Masvidal fails to win the fights that matter.
“This guy’s fought Demian Maia; what happened? He took an L,” Usman said. “He fought ‘Wonderboy;’ what happened? Took an L. Now it’s crazy to me that he has all this hype, and everyone says he’s this striker, he’s this killer, he’s this, this and that. It doesn’t matter, I’m going to do me. I’m going to put him on his ass, I’m going to beat on him until he wants to quit, and if he stands up, I will knock him out if I need to.
“Everyone’s talking about striking. First of all, you got to stand upright to strike. Don’t think I’m not going to take you down. I’m going to take you down, period. There’s no secret to what’s going to happen. I’m going to take you down and beat on you until you quit.”
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