Businessman suggests possible fight between Ilia Topuria (left) and Justin Gaethje . Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Kamaru Usman believes Justin Gaethje is being underestimated in his fight against Ilia Topuria . The American faces the Spaniard in the main event of UFC Casa Branca , a bout that will determine the undisputed lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg). Despite representing the United States in the event created to honor the country, the current interim champion is considered an underdog by both fans and bookmakers, a situation that his training partner, the Nigerian, considers disrespectful.
In a recent episode of the Pound for Pound podcast, alongside Henry Cejudo , Usman criticized the odds published for the fight. According to the former welterweight champion (up to 77kg), it's exaggerated to see Gaethje listed as an underdog at approximately four to one, remembering that the fighter has been in a similar position in previous fights and managed to surprise. For Usman, this type of assessment ends up serving as extra fuel for professional athletes, who enter the octagon motivated to silence the critics.
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“These odds are crazy. They even put Justin at like a four-to-one underdog. What was Justin’s situation in his last fight? Wasn’t he also like a three-to-one underdog? So, I mean… it is what it is. These guys who make the odds or whoever… I just feel like the disrespect is there. You know, the disrespect is there, but it is what it is. That’s what we love to do as professional athletes. We like to go in there and really shut the critics up,” said Kamaru Usman.
UFC Casa Branca features three Brazilians on the card.
Alex Poatan and Ciryl Gane will face each other at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Although UFC Casa Branca is an event designed to celebrate the United States, Brazil will also have a significant presence on the card. Of the six fights scheduled, three feature Brazilian athletes.
Among the country's representatives is Alex Poatan , who faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg). In addition, Mauricio Ruffy will face Michael Chandler , while Diego Lopes will take on Steve Garcia at the event.
Check out the full UFC White House fight card.
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – for the undisputed lightweight title.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Alex Poatan vs. Ciryl Gane – For the interim heavyweight title.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Aieman Zahabi
Lightweight (Up to 70,3kg): Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Bo Nickal x Kyle Daukaus
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
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Read More about: Alex Poatán, Ciryl Gane, Diego lopes, Ilia Topuria, Justin gaethje, Kamaru Usman, Maricio Luffy, Michael Chandler, Steve Garcia, UFC White House
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