Kamaru Usman’s post-fight comments at UFC Fight Night 124 have mistakenly created negative ‘heat’ for the dominant welterweight.
After a commanding performance against Emil Meek, Usman used his post-fight interview as an opportunity to generate some momentum for himself in the division.
Unfortunately for “The Nigerian Nightmare”, however, it seems as though his comments were misinterpreted.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”16″] “Listen, I fought this fight sitting at about 30%. Everyone knows what I am capable of. That was 30% right there and I still dominated a tough, so-called Viking. I dominated him and that was at 30%.”[/perfectpullquote]
Post-fight ‘nightmare’
While it seemed as though Kamaru Usman was explaining that he entered the fight at 30% health, many people wrongfully understood Usman’s comments as though he was only giving 30% effort.
Kind of felt like that would have been a fun fight, had it not been for Usman. And then he tells us that was 30%? Where's the rest at?
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) January 15, 2018
To make matters worse for Usman, Dana White also misinterpreted his post-fight interview and described it as ‘one of the most ridiculous things he has ever heard someone say’:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”Dana White” link=”https://twitter.com/UFCONFOX/status/952781077034156033″ color=”” class=”” size=”16″]”I didn’t love that fight, by the way. He’s a tough guy, yeah he can impose his will. But then, you don’t jump up and start talking smack like you just knocked somebody out or something and say you only went 30% or something. What’s that mean? What if you’re on a pay-per-view, do you do 60%? It’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard somebody say. And you’re getting booed out of the arena on top of it, we’ll have to see what’s next for him.”[/perfectpullquote]
Usman’s explanation
In the wake of widespread rejection, Kamaru Usman took to Twitter to clarify his statements.
Let me clear something up since some didn’t understand my post fight interview. What I meant was that I came into the fight at 30% health. I could’ve pulled out but I chose 2 stay the course & give @emilvalhalla his chance @ a top 10 guy. I fight anyone, anytime even at 30%.
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) January 15, 2018
Usman, seemingly impacted by an injury or some other type of health-related issue, declared (again) that he entered the fight at just 30% health.
Even at 30% health, dealing with adversity, & a game opponent like Meek I was still able to dominate.
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) January 15, 2018
The Twitter-storm that has ensued is a ‘nightmare’ for Kamaru Usman, who has been actively campaigning for a top-ranked opponent in the welterweight division.
Now, after what appears to be a strong negative reaction and clear misinterpretation of his original comments, the UFC and Usman will need to sit together and determine his next opponent.
As for who that might be, Usman has someone in mind:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”16″]”Colby [Covington] you can run, but you can’t hide. The Nigerian Nightmare is looking for you, and I’m going to find you.”[/perfectpullquote]
