Kamaru Usman breaks silence on rumored February showdown with Jack Della Maddalena: "As long as I’m prepared"
Kamaru Usman and Jack Della Maddalena were rumored to be set to face off at UFC 312, which would take place in February 2025. After three consecutive losses against Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards, Usman is looking to return to winning ways in 2025.
The rumor of a fight between Della Maddalena and ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ sparked when the Australian combatant reshared a post citing that he would fight Usman.
However, the rumor of a potential fight between the combatants as mentioned earlier was squashed by MMA reporter Alex Behunin, who shared on X that :
"JDM vs. Usman is not happening at UFC 312 and unfortunately there’s a good chance JDM will not be on that PPV at all.”
'The Nigerian Nightmare' recently appeared in a MainEventTV interview and when asked about him fighting against the 28-year-old Australian welterweight in February, he addressed the rumors and said:
"I’ve heard that… I’ve seen interviews of him wanting to lobby for that fight which is great… more power to him for doing that. But at the end or the day like I said now isnt my time. It’s time for me to be honest with myself and if I’m prepared to go in and do that absolutely… as long as I’m prepared and this vehicle is ready to go I’ll jump in there..."
Check out Kamaru Usman's comments below:
When asked if he would be prepared to fight in February, he replied that it is difficult to predict. However, the former UFC welterweight champion has given fans hope by declaring that he will see what happens in a few months and if he can prepare for his return to the octagon.
Kamaru Usman responds to Joaquin Buckley's callout post-UFC Tampa
Joaquin Buckley showed his dominance over Colby Covington at UFC Tampa and won the bout via TKO (doctor stoppage) in round three. In his post-fight interview, Buckley called out several top combatants including Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, and welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
Usman responded to the call-out on his Pound 4 Pound Podcast by stating that he will not step into the octagon unless he feels ready. Addressing 'New Mansa'', he said:
"I feel like the hot chick at the bar, everybody wants a piece... I don’t care who it is. One thing that I won’t do because I’ve done it for so long and too much, which is partially why I’m having to take this layoff, is compete when I’m not ready. When I am healthy, I don’t care who it is.”
He continued:
"I remember watching the fight and I’m going Buckley did great. First of all, shout out to Buckley, he did great for being able to go through a guy like Covington... as the fight gets later, Covington gets a little bit more comfortable, so it was going to be how quick he was able to get the ring rust off and get going. Buckley didn’t really allow him to do that.”
Check out Kamaru Usman's comments below (4:30):