Abdelaziz Responds To Masvidal’s Claim That Usman Fight Is Booked
Jorge Masvidal has claimed that a title fight between himself and Kamaru Usman is locked in for September, but the UFC welterweight champion’s manager Ali Abdelaziz says that’s far from the truth.
Masvidal stepped in on short notice at UFC 251 to challenge Usman for the belt, but lost via unanimous decision. ‘Gamebred’ has been eyeing a rematch ever since, stating that he will beat the champion with a full camp.
Masvidal’s Claim, Abdelaziz’s Responds
Usman called out Masvidal after his most recent title defence against Gilbert Burns last month at UFC 258, and reports suggest that the UFC is moving in the direction of a rematch between the two fighters, which according to the Miami native, is booked for September.
Speaking to Boxing Social (as transcribed by MMA Fighting), Masvidal made the revelation.
“Right now I’m focused on me fighting for the belt, which is going to be in August/September, actually September, we just got word on this,” Masvidal said. “So you’re like the second person actually to know this right now. That’s just how luck works man. A lot of MMA media sites are going to be mad I dropped to on yours first, boxing of all people. They’re going to call me a traitor. But that’s what I’m worried about.”
However, Abdelaziz dismissed Masvidal’s claim, saying that Usman gets to decide who he defends his title against and when.
“Masvidal doesn’t decide anything,” Abdelaziz said. “He needs to sit down and keep working his wrestling. When the champ makes a decision maybe he will give them an opportunity, but for now nothing [is] happening.”
Usman’s Wish
During the UFC 258 post fight conference, Usman expressed his willingness to run it back with Masvidal, and said that he would finish the ‘BMF’ the second time around.
“This time I want to stop him for real because I think that’s the only thing that’s going to close his mouth,” Usman stated. “Pretending walking around here like he’s Jesus or something. Well, I’m going to put him in a coffin this time.
“This time I will stop him. I promise you. That’s why I was disappointed in myself that last fight because I know I can stop him but with all the circumstances took place, I just went out there and dominated him from start to finish. This time I will stop him if he wants to step up.”
Last month, Abdelaziz told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that he’s in talks with the UFC about the possibility of Usman and Masvidal coaches the upcoming Ultimate Fighter season 29, as that is what ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ wants.
Who do you favour in a rematch between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal?
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