It is common for MMA fighters to have bad blood with each other. After all, it is a highly aggressive and competitive sport. However, it is rather uncommon for them to feud with the president of the promotion they are with. But Kamaru Usman did just that as his comments left the UFC President Dana White miffed.
There is no doubt that Usman is one of the best and most popular fighters. His MMA records and achievements speak for themselves. But, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has had to learn things the hard way.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After a victory against Emil Meek at UFC St. Louis, in the post-fight interview, he said, “Listen, I fought this fight sitting at about 30 percent. Everybody knows what I am capable of.”
Many spectators, who were not satisfied with how the fight panned out, booed the fighter right after his comment. Dana White was of the opinion that it was not okay for the fighter to speak that way about his own performance in the octagon.
However, later on, Usman explained the reason for saying so. According to him, his fight with Meek had included a lot of prior frustrations. These frustrations led Usman to make that particular statement. He also revealed that he did not regret saying it.
Kamaru Usman clarified his statement
Usman’s “30 percent” comment in the interview is what annoyed White. Clarifying the meaning behind it, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ said, “I meant I literally was maybe 30-percent of my abilities, which is what I stated, but of course, when you have a president that is so powerful like Dana White and he goes out in the media and says what he says, everyone just jumps on it.”
He further stated, “So once Dana said that, it was just the backlash of it and whatnot, but what I meant to say was I was at 30 percent health. Dana took it the wrong way, so fans took it the wrong way.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ALSO READ- Zhang Weili Says ‘Secret Weapons’ Taught by Henry Cejudo Will Be the Key to Dismantle Rose Namajunas
Usman felt that the criticism he received was because of how White misinterpreted his statement. This entire incident left both sides a little sour. One on hand, Usman felt misconstrued, and on the other hand, White was unhappy with Usman’s statement.
This annoyance didn’t stay on for too long though as White has defended ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ from boring fight accusations in recent times. However, what did you make of the 30 percent comment and the aftermath? Was it just a simple misunderstanding?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: From Punching Daniel Cormier to Headbutting Khabib Nurmagomedov:- Hasbulla Magomedov’s Best Moments at UFC 267
Let us know how well you remember the incident from Usman’s pre champion days.