The former welterweight champion and title contender of the UFC, Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman’s chances of becoming champ again seem dim. The number one welterweight fighter in the world is set to fight in the middleweight against Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 294. But his bad knees may come in between him and the belt.
The Nigerian has made some revelations in the past regarding his knees. In the most recent attempt to reclaim the welterweight title, he was countered with a question regarding his knee injury. To which he downplayed it disregarding its severity, as it would not stop him from fighting. Usman has a record of 20-3 with most of his wins coming via knockout and has been a wrestler all through his life.
This fight can’t come sooner 🙌@Usman84kg meets @KChimaev THIS SATURDAY at #UFC294!
[ 2pmET / 11amPT | Live on ESPN+ PPV | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/92oRAZ2NqP
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023
Usman has undergone several major knee surgeries in the past and this has made his knees really vulnerable. Joe Rogan also mentioned how Usman would have to walk on grass as walking on concrete was unbearable for his knees. Rogan further adds that Usman has to walk backward downstairs.
In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley shared his opinion with the UFC commentator. O’Malley clearly stated how sharing about Usman’s knee problem in the podcast may affect him in the fights. He also suggested how Usman’s competition or opponents may take advantage of the problem by continuously targeting the weak points, especially in his upcoming fight.
“Yeah, it definitely makes you a target. When you see him whip, see him move like oh this guy’s knees are f**ked. And he definitely gets kicked in the back of his legs, it’s already inflamed and sore.” added Joe Rogan to the fact.
Usman’s upper-to-lower body ratio is due to the fact that he has to generate power from his upper torso, giving him a narrow frame. However, according to Joe Rogan, Usman is persistent with his training and has ignored all the pain caused by his knees.
Is Kamaru Usman injured?
“The Nigerian Nightmare” is the backup fighter after Paulo Costa was forced to make an exit from the co-main event. He was called on short notice of 10 days to fight Khamzat Chimaev in the middleweight. Everything leading up to the fight was going well until October 18, when the promotion held an open workout session for the fans.
During the session, Kamaru Usman was grappling with Justin Gathje in front of a large crowd. When people from the press fraternity heard Gaethje asking Usman whether he was fine. The attention-hungry journalist then uploaded the video with a false translation, claiming that Usman had popped his knee. Soon enough the video clip went viral, making rounds on the internet.
Kamaru Usman Responds to knee injury rumours pic.twitter.com/EBqA89yrK6
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) October 19, 2023
Forcing Kamaru Usman to come out with a video denying any injury and clarifying the incident. Even saying “How could you have possibly heard what I’ve said? When it’s me and Justin on a stage in front of thousands of people in a mall”. He further added, “How stupid? Just dumb!” referring to whoever the person was. Gaethje also tweeted in relation to this incident.
Kamaru Usman and Justin Gaethje open workouts.
Kamaru Usman denies any injuries during this clip. #UFC294
🎥 @MMAJunkie pic.twitter.com/5gtXo4ZTSD
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) October 18, 2023
This incident has caused quite a stir on social media, as the fight will take place on October 21, 2023. False rumors could be hard on these fighters who were called to fight on short notice since they’re already under immense pressure. As for Usman, he will be preparing to enter the octagon and deliver his best performance as always.