Kamaru Usman open to Conor McGregor fight but not too sure about Khabib Nurmagomedov

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4 years ago

Kamaru Usman of Nigeria celebrates after his victory over Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Kamaru Usman speaks about if he would be open to fighting Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov in the future

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman was asked about his views on fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor in the future.

His response was a little unconventional. At a time when every UFC wrestler would fancy having a crack at the Russian’s 29-0 streak, the Nigerian said that it isn’t something that he would be actively pursuing.

Kamaru Usman speaks about fighting against Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in the future. (GETTY Images)

Speaking in an interview with TMZ, Usman stated that he would take the fight if Nurmagomedov himself wanted to scrap. However, it isn’t his priority.

“That’s something that we visit at that time, but me personally, that’s not something I would ever pursue. Absolutely not.”

His views on McGregor, however, are different. Nevertheless, Usman says that the Notorious One would have to earn a shot at the belt like everybody else.

“If Conor ever wanted it, we’ll see if he deserves it, and we’ll give him a shot. But if not, he’ll stay in that division and try to beat the best in that division.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov is unbeaten in his MMA career. (GETTY Images)

Usman has welterweight title to defend before thinking about fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov or Conor McGregor

McGregor did refer to having a crack at the welterweight division last year. Nevertheless, his attention would probably be on the lightweight division now.

The Irishman lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 and would feel that he has a few things left to deal with in that division. Usman’s fight with Nurmagomedov may be even more unlikely.

The Russian has not indicated if he will return to UFC. And if he does, it is unlikely that it would be for someone from the welterweight division.

Conor McGregor reacts before taking on Donald Cerrone in their welterweight bout during UFC246. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Usman, who is on a 16-fight winning streak at the moment, takes on Gilbert Burns to defend his belt in the main event at UFC 258 on February 13th.

The pair were to meet last year but the Brazilian contracted Covid-19. Jorge Masvidal stepped in at the last moment and Usman easily defeated Gamebred.