Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman didn't hold back in response to Ian Machado Garry's recent taunts and accusations.
Ian Machado Garry stepped up on short notice to face fellow undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. Ahead of the event, he had Kamaru Usman in mind after the former champion turned down the slot that Garry ultimately accepted.
Garry lost to Rakhmonov by unanimous decision at UFC 310 in Las Vegas last Saturday. It was the first defeat of his career after recent victories over Geoff Neal, Neil Magny and Michael 'Venom' Page.
Despite the loss, Garry's stock likely didn't rise after the defeat to Rakhmonov. He nearly finished Rakhmonov in the later rounds after struggling to find his timing early in the fight.
Ahead of UFC 310, Garry took several shots at Usman, who hasn't fought at 170 pounds since falling to Leon Edwards in back-to-back title fights. He criticized Usman and Colby Covington for not accepting bookings with Garry in favor of other opportunities.
It didn't take long for Usman to address Garry in light of the Irish contender's first career setback at UFC 310.
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Kamaru Usman to Ian Machado Garry: 'Who the hell is that guy?'
During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman responded to Garry's allegations by questioning his worthiness to face him in the cage.
“Does he even deserve that?” Usman said. “A lot has been said and a lot has been made leading up to this fight [things up]. I'm not running from anyone! Nobody. I don't run from anyone, and I don't know many guys who will run from anyone, because this is the game!
“We fight to make money. If we don't fight, we don't get paid. Everyone in the UFC has to step in there to get paid,” Usman continued. “So the idea of 'Oh yeah, they were afraid of me.' Like who are you? Who are you that I, of all people, should fear you? I think he was upset because he wanted me to be his late replacement for his fight. Who is this guy I have to be a late replacement for?”
Usman hasn't fought since a middleweight loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. In addition to his response to Garry's comments, Usman reiterated that he's still recovering from the wear and tear he suffered earlier in his career.
Usman aims to return to the Octagon in 2025 once he is fully healed and in shape. Before Edwards suffered back-to-back losses, Usman was viewed as perhaps the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Kamaru Usman plans to return to welterweight against a 'worthy' competitor
Usman had previously teased a full-time move to middleweight, but after Garry's taunts he could put those plans on hold. A match between Usman and Garry could potentially happen in 2025, depending on Usman's return timeline.
Before the loss to Rakhmonov, Garry was undefeated in his professional MMA career, including a Cage Warriors title win before signing with the UFC. The 27-year-old is expected to be a contender for the UFC welterweight title in the coming years.
Usman is looking for his first win since defeating Covington by unanimous decision at UFC 268. He defended the welterweight belt against Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns before Edwards dethroned him at UFC 278.
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