Kamaru Usman Drops a Major Update on His Octagon Return, 5 Months After His Disheartening Loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 286

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has spoken! Ever since his disheartening defeat at the hands of Leon Edwards at UFC 286 – former Welterweight champ Kamaru Usman has been looking for a worthy opponent to aid him in his comeback. It’s been five months, and after rumors of a potential fight with Khamzat Chimaev subsided, all hopes for action seemed lost.

However, sparking fans’ interest, Usman now has some exciting updates to share. In a recent interview, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ ‌added a new twist to his welterweight story. He has expressed interest in fighting Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson – considering both fighters are in dire need of an opponent. But that’s not all – as Usman has also hinted at the time for his UFC comeback. But when is he planning to return to the Octagon? Let’s find out!

Kamaru Usman drops a hint at a much-awaited comeback

While speaking to TMZ Sports, the Nigerian welterweight dropped a major hint on his comeback. And it seems like we may see Usman back in action by the end of this year. 

The interviewer kicks off the discussion, asking Usman, ” …the inspiration you saw from Justin [Gaethje] – how hungry are you to get in there to find an opponent? Where [and] when are we gonna see the Nigerian Nightmare in there? Against who?”

In response, the 36-year-old dropped a major update on his comeback plans. Replying to the host, he added, “I would love to – that’s my thing, I’m shooting for this year – the fall. So, we’ll see – I’ve already said, ‘Hey, I’m ready to fight’[to the UFC]. But the thing is – it has to make sense.”

Arguing his stance further, he answered the interviewer’s question about why his fight with Chimaev fell through. He emphasized that the matchup made perfect sense, “Who on the planet didn’t agree that the Khamzat fight made sense? It made perfect sense.”

And finally, spilling the beans on why the potential bout was called off – due to ‘Borz’s reluctance to make weight at Welterweight level. Despite Chimaev’s impressive UFC record, Usman pointed out that the young fighter’s limited experience against ranked opponents raised questions about his #3 rank in the division.

“You’re[Chimaev] a guy who’s been in the UFC for what – two years now?… You’ve fought one ranked guy and they[UFC] have you ranked at number three in my division,” a surprised Usman asserted.

Read More: “Usman Getting Vietnam Flashbacks”: Losing It Over Eerily Similar Sequence That Folded Him Against Leon Edwards Has Fans Ruthlessly Mocking Kamaru Usman at UFC 291

He concluded his arguments, stating, “I’m number one and I say, ‘Okay, let’s fight.’ I’ll go down and fight you. It didn’t matter where – but then you say, ‘No, I don’t want to make that weight. Come up to a Middleweight to fight me,’” highlighting the irony of the Swedish MMA artist’s trash-talking, that often results in nothing but hype.

What do you make of ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’s opinions? Are you pumped about the prospect of his return? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this story: Is the Khamzat Chimaev vs Paulo Costa Fight Happening on UFC 294?