Kamaru Usman has laid down a challenge to fellow welterweight Nate Diaz, after the latter questioned Usman’s upcoming rematch with Colby Covington.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is quite clearly the king of the 170-pound division right now and it’s been that way for quite some time.
Ever since capturing the UFC welterweight title from Tyron Woodley, Usman has gone on to successfully defend it against Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal twice, successfully finishing all three in the process.
Could we see Usman vs Diaz?
On the flip side, Diaz has fought Anthony Pettis, Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards in that time with a 1-2 record – although he certainly went down fighting in the two defeats.
Diaz has said he wants to stay active after the Edwards loss and that’s led to a war of words between him and Usman.
Who dis guy fighting next ?
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) June 22, 2021
Someone he already koed ??♂️ pic.twitter.com/x3dFqMvVaZ
I see you 209. If you really want this 187 then call your boy hunter ?
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) June 22, 2021
Ur locked down you do what ur told to do like a good champion pic.twitter.com/nl6xRUopZ2
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) June 22, 2021
Key word “CHAMPION” lol. All you guys just internet tough guys nowadays. Like I said if you really want this pressure then holla at your boy hunter?
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) June 23, 2021
Your doing great champ
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) June 23, 2021
I wasn’t trying to disrespect
Have a good fight with one of those poor guys you beat up ..
The “187” comment is seemingly a reference to an often-used police code for murder.
If there’s one thing Kamaru Usman has been able to prove over the last two years, it’s that he’s someone you don’t want to underestimate.
Nate Diaz knows that and he’ll also be aware of how the size difference between the two men could impact a potential fight down the road. Of course, someone like Nate isn’t going to let that stand in the way of a good old fashioned war, even if a knockout loss is an ever-present possibility.
Some believe Diaz’s best bet would be for him to go down to 155 pounds but others saw his late surge against Edwards as a sign of what he brings to welterweight.
Whatever the case may be this is a rivalry that has a lot of marketability to it, so if Diaz can get back on the winning trail, Usman may be interested.
For now, though, the champ’s focus will likely be on his impending rematch against long time foe Covington.
Featured image credit: Getty