Kamaru Usman dismisses conversation around BMF title, says it's a "hypothetical" belt made up because of him
Kamaru Usman recently gave his take on the BMF title landscape, claiming that the title was introduced in the first place because of him.
The first-ever BMF title fight took place between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in 2019 at Madison Square Garden (MSG), where Masvidal prevailed via doctor's stoppage in the third round. Following Masvidal's retirement in 2023, Justin Gaethje won the vacant title by knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. 'The Highlight' subsequently surrendered the belt to reigning champion Max Holloway in a vicious knockout loss at UFC 300.
During the latest Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman discussed Holloway's recent setback at UFC 308 with Henry Cejudo and chastised everyone who mocked the Hawaiian for his loss against Ilia Topuria. Furthermore, in response to a question concerning the BMF title scenario, the Nigerian-American said that the title isn't really important and that he had some influence over its introduction in the promotion.
Usman asserted that his first welterweight title defense was slated to take place at MSG against Colby Covington. However, their fight did not take place. Considering the popularity of the venue, the promotion decided to book Masvidal versus Diaz, who had already called out 'Gamebred' following his victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241.
Usman said:
''Why are we talking about this like this is a real title? It's not. This was a hypothetical that was made up because of me. Let's not forget that myself and Covington were supposed to fight in MSG in New York. The fight didn't happen... They needed a fight to headline that card. They needed something with some steam. It's MSG. You can't just put any fight card at MSG.
"So, at that point, what's the hottest ticket out there? Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal... Of course, you have Nate Diaz... Dana jumps on, 'How do we promote this fight? Let's create this, alright, it's called the baddest motherf'er belt...' Come on. Are you serious? That's why it started."
Check out Kamaru Usman's comments below (18:50):
Kamaru Usman discusses Khamzat Chimaev's win at UFC 308
In the aforementioned Pound 4 Pound podcast, Kamaru Usman expressed his thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev's victory against Robert Whittaker at UFC 308.
Usman lost to Chimaev at UFC 294 last year via majority decision despite a strong performance. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' praised the 30-year-old's persistent pressure, saying:
''Before you get to round two, three and four, you got to get past round one and Khamzat Chimaev dry on your back, round one, is not easy to get off. He leaves nothing on the table, he just, screw it I'm going all in.'' [25:20]