Former champion outraged after being accused of avoiding fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov: 'Shut up'

Kamaru Usman hasn't fought since 2023. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Less than a week ago UFC 310, the welterweight category (up to 77,1 kg) will have a very important confrontation in the short term. After the injury of Belal Muhammad |, Shavkat Rakhmonov measures forces with Ian Garry and the winner will be the next challenger for the division title. However, Kamaru Usman was initially considered as the Kazakh's new opponent. The former champion denied the duel due to little time for preparation.

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The refusal generated a series of reactions on social media, some of which clearly bothered the Nigerian Nightmare. In Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman took a few moments to openly criticize fans who accused him of running away from the fight.

“I’m seeing people online like, ‘Oh, you’re scared? You dodged him?’ Like, what? We go in there every time. I’ve got 22 or 25 fights, but everyone’s like, ‘Oh, he’s scared? Shut up. Just because you didn’t get what you wanted. Guess what? It’s like your mom telling you, ‘No, you can’t have that toy today.’ So shut up,” the fighter said.

Usman hasn't won in over three years

Owner of the second longest winning streak in the organization's history, Kamaru Usman is not going through a good moment in his career. Since losing the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg) in August 2022, the African has not achieved any triumph. There are three consecutive defeats, two to Leon edwards and the last one for Khamzat Shimaev. At 37 years old, the fighter may be heading towards the end of his career.

L. Edwards knocked out K. Usman in the UFC 278 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)