Usman shuts down injury rumors ahead of UFC 294: 'Knees are fine'
Kamaru Usman wants the world to know one thing: He's not hurt going into his matchup with Khamzat Chimaev this weekend at UFC 294.
A clip of Usman slamming Justin Gaethje to the mat at Wednesday's open workouts in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, went viral after several social media users claimed Usman told his teammate after securing the takedown that "something popped." This led to widespread speculation online that the former welterweight champion had suffered a knee injury.
Usman, who went on to hit mitts for a few minutes after the takedown on Gaethje, said Thursday at the UFC 294 prefight press conference that he is OK.
"I'm fine," Usman said. "That's just how rumors start. Somebody posts something and then everybody starts jumping on it, and then all the doctors start jumping on it.
"Knees are fine. They will be put to use this Saturday."
Usman stepped in on 10 days' notice to face Chimaev in his middleweight debut after Paulo Costa withdrew from the event due to an elbow injury.
"The Nigerian Nightmare" also shut down the injury rumors in a video on his YouTube channel, questioning whether it was even possible for a viewer to confirm what he said to Gaethje.
"Whoever started it, whoever said they heard or saw, how could you have possibly heard what I said when it's me and Justin on a stage in front of thousands of people in a mall?" Usman asked. "Were you next to us to where you heard what I was saying? How stupid. Just dumb.
"If my knee was hurt, why would I get up and (continue) hitting mitts? Oh my God. People believe anything you put on this internet. ... Whoever that was, stop it. Stop with the clickbait. Did not say that. Clearly, I'm fine."
Usman, one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history, is looking to end a two-fight skid after suffering back-to-back losses to current 170-pound champion Leon Edwards.
UFC president Dana White said recently the winner between Usman and Chimaev will receive the next title shot against middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
UFC 294 takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena and will feature a lightweight title rematch between defending champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.