Kamaru Usman addressed criticism for not fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, explaining he was willing to step in on short notice despite fan backlash and emphasizing that fighters are not scared for declining certain matches, while also commenting on the potential dynamics of the Rakhmonov vs. Ian Garry fight.
Kamaru Usman is navigating his fight choices with care, hoping fans grasp his reasoning. If they don’t, well, he’s got some blunt advice for them.
Recently, the ex-UFC welterweight champ mentioned he was ready to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. Originally, Rakhmonov was set to clash with current titleholder Belal Muhammad. However, an injury forced Muhammad out, leaving a slot open on the year’s last pay-per-view card. Usman was game for the challenge, despite having trained alongside Rakhmonov.
But Ian Machado Garry ended up getting the nod to fight Rakhmonov. This decision stirred up some fan backlash against Usman. On his Pound-4-Pound podcast, he addressed the critics.
"This fight’s intriguing," Usman noted. "I almost stepped in. I’ve said it countless times—it’s wild seeing online comments like ‘You scared? You ducking?’ Seriously?"
He continued, "It’s the same thing people say about Jon Jones. When fans don’t get their dream matchup, they assume the fighter’s scared. Guys, enough already. We’ve been in there countless times—22 or 25 fights, can’t remember exactly—but you think I’m scared? A world champion defending titles repeatedly? Just because you didn’t get what you wanted doesn’t mean we’re scared. It’s like your mom denying you a toy—deal with it."
Usman’s last bout was at UFC 294 in October 2023. He moved up a weight class on short notice to face undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. After a slow start, he challenged Chimaev but ultimately lost by majority decision.
His next steps remain uncertain as he aims to end a three-fight losing streak, including two title losses to Leon Edwards. Still, Usman envisions future showdowns with Rakhmonov or Garry.
"Honestly," Usman mused, "I can see Ian Garry pulling it off, but I don’t really care much for either guy. At some point, I’ll have to face one of them and do my thing."
Though he refrained from picking a winner for UFC 310’s co-main event, Usman cautioned that the anticipated clash might not deliver on excitement.
"I’m not hating," he clarified. "On paper, it’s a great fight, but it might not be as thrilling as expected. People want blood and drama—I doubt it’ll happen."
Usman explained further: "Ian Garry’s smart—he might just dance around for 30 minutes to create space for strikes. Shavkat might play along initially but will eventually push for action."
"If Ian doesn’t engage," Usman concluded, "it won’t be the bloodbath everyone’s hyped for. But on paper? It’s still fantastic—somebody’s O has got to go."