UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has extended the following invitation to Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal: Meet me in July.
Usman (16-1) told ESPN on Tuesday that he’s been training since February and has offered to defend his 170-pound UFC championship in April, May, June and now July.
Many expected Usman’s next title defense to come against Masvidal (35-15), who has expressed interest in a non-title rematch against Nate Diaz in recent days.
If Masvidal is not available, Usman said he’ll ask the UFC to book him against McGregor (22-4), a former two-weight champion who has expressed interest in a summer return.
“This is what I have to say: Both [McGregor and Masvidal],” Usman said. “Both guys are champions of Twitter, talking s— on Twitter. In the history [of MMA], who has ever said no to a title shot? I’m that guy. I’m the boogeyman who these guys are saying no to a title shot against. And they better remain quiet.
“Jorge Masvidal, you had an opportunity on April 18, May 9, June and now July. You want to fight Nate — a fight that wasn’t even competitive. And Conor, you said you wanted to be the king of the 170-pound division. Now you’re quiet. So you know what? Just remain quiet. I’ve given both of you a shot and none of you have taken it.”
Masvidal, 35, hasn’t fought since he defeated Diaz via TKO last November in Madison Square Garden. McGregor, 31, had a 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone in January.
Usman, a former NCAA Division-II national champion wrestler, said he would even agree to not take McGregor, who does not have an amateur wrestling background, to the canvas in the first two rounds of their title fight.
“I will sign a contract with Conor McGregor. We’ll put it in the contract, first or second round, I won’t take you down,” said Usman, who lives and trains out of South Florida and is currently cross training in Colorado.
“Yeah, if I want you down, there’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. But if I want to stand up with you, I will. Am I going to try to knock Conor McGregor out? Absolutely. I’m going to try to knock his head off his F’ing shoulders.”