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UFC: Kamaru Usman open to Conor McGregor for next title defence – ‘why do you all want this man dead!?’

  • ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ changes course from Jorge Masvidal to Conor McGregor after ‘BMF’ belt rematch rumours
  • Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz asks McGregor if he wants a title shot

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Kamaru Usman looks across the Octagon before his title defence against Colby Covington at UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas in 2019. Photo: USA Today

Kamaru Usman has turned his attention from Jorge Masvidal to Conor McGregor for his next welterweight title defence.

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“The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (16-1), who beat Colby Covington via fifth-round TKO in December last year, called out Irish lightweight McGregor (22-4) after Masvidal appears to be campaigning for a rematch with Nate Diaz for the one-off “BMF” belt.

“I really don’t understand why you all want this man dead!!! I’d s*** him in there if I wanted and he’d ‘do nothin’’,” said the 33-year-old Usman, quoting a famous McGregor line from a previous fight.

The promotion’s first African champion Usman included a modified picture of himself and the 31-year-old McGregor squaring off in the Octagon.

Usman’s agent, Ali Abdelaziz, explained the reason for the team’s decision to defend his title against McGregor. “Notorious” last fought in January, where he beat Donald Cerrone via first-round TKO. Usman had previously said he would “retire” McGregor if they fought.
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