Kamaru Usman declines Jan Blachowicz's callout despite previously expressing confidence in winning: "I will happily decline"
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has responded to Jan Blachowicz's callout for a fight. It all started when on a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman recalled the time he did a face-off against Blachowicz at the UFC 276 event in July 2022.
On the podcast, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' spoke about the face-off and shared his belief that he could get the better of the 41-year-old.
"You see my arms next to his? I was like, 'Yo! Everybody's talking about he's a light-heayweight but I was thick on him, bro.' See, this is the thing. I wouldn't have called for [a fight at 205 pounds], if I didn't think at that point that the style favored me and I could do it."
Usman's comments prompted a response from Blachowicz, who challenged him to a fight and wrote on X:
"If you still feel the same about it @USMAN84kg , let’s go. I will be ready."
Usman has now issued a response, declining the challenge. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' argued that at the current moment, a win over Blachowicz would not be of much help to further his MMA career. He said:
"I wanted that matchup when Jan Blachowicz was the champion and I was the champion. I am no longer the champion. He's no longer the champion. So, that fight makes absolutely no sense. It does nothing for me. If I go up there and I beat Jan Blachowicz, what does that do for me? Nothing... Jan, big respect you big, strong, tough guy. I will happily decline at this moment."
Kamaru Usman weighs in on Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad
Leon Edwards is all set to defend his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. The event will be held on July 27 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
Kamaru Usman recently shared his thoughts on the matchup on the Pound 4 Pound podcast. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' gave the advantage to Edwards and said that 'Rocky' was more likely to emerge victorious in that encounter. Usman said:
"I think this is a very intriguing fight, but Leon just being the champion and being confident in being the champion, I think he's gonna be sharp... I think Leon, if he trains properly, I think he will be victorious."
Check out Kamaru Usman's comments on Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad below: