Kamaru Usman will be making an unexpected return to the Octagon with just 10 days’ notice. His opponent is the undefeated Chechen powerhouse Khamzat Chimaev. Given Usman’s history of knee-related injuries, he entered the contest as a +235 underdog on various sportsbooks.
During a takedown against BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje at the UFC 294 open workout, fans were worried about Usman as he seemed to have sustained an injury.
Visibly concerned, Gaethje checked on Usman’s well-being. This prompted Usman to mention that “something popped.”
Responding to concerned fans on social media, Justin Gaethje shed light on the situation. He initially thought Usman had hit his head on the mat, which led him to inquire about Usman’s condition.
Gaethje clarified, “He said I’m good or something like that. I thought he hit his head on the mat. I asked him if he hit his head in this clip when we got up and he said no.”
Gaethje made additional tweets to provide clarity. He tweeted: “He actually said I’m gunna go with Cosmo to be exact.”
He then replied to a comment by saying: “Alexander. The guy he immediately started hitting pads with.”
He mentioned, “He actually said I’m gunna go with Cosmo to be exact, Alexander. The guy he immediately started hitting pads with.”
Fans weren’t fully buying Gaethje’s story. Usman suddenly ended the training session while seeming to grip his left knee and shake out his leg.
Kamaru Usman boasts an unparalleled takedown defense record in UFC history, which could be a pivotal factor in his bout against Khamzat Chimaev. But if he is indeed entering the contest with an injury, it may significantly impact the outcome. A potential short night at Etihad Arena could be on the horizon.
As MMA enthusiasts await further updates on Usman’s condition, the outcome of the highly anticipated bout against Chimaev remains uncertain.