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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight wrestler Kamaru Usman, who rose to prominence on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 21 combat sports reality show, is having a hard time winning the praise of promotion president Dana White.
Especially after his unanimous decision victory over Emil Meek at UFC St. Louis, which took place last Sunday night (Jan. 14, 2018) on FOX Sports 1 (recap here).
“I didn’t love that fight,” White said after the show (via MMA Junkie). “Yeah, he’s a tough guy. Yeah, he can impose his will. But you don’t jump up and start acting like you knocked somebody out and say you only went 30 percent. So what’s that mean? What if you’re on pay-per-view? Do you use 60 percent?”
Usman elaborated on Twitter.
Let me clear something up since some didn’t understand my post fight interview. What I meant was that I came into the fight at 30% health. I could’ve pulled out but I chose 2 stay the course & give @emilvalhalla his chance @ a top 10 guy. I fight anyone, anytime even at 30%.
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) January 15, 2018
Fighters love to play the percentages.
“You just fought a guy who wasn’t ranked and went to a decision, and the people were booing you at the end. I don’t think that’s the right time to call a guy out, when they’re booing you out of the stadium.”
Can’t blame that one on Nigeria.
Ranked No. 10 in the division, Usman (12-1) has captured seven straight wins inside the Octagon and continues to inch his way closer to a 170-pound title shot. But it may prove harder to get without White and Co. on his side.
Perhaps a win over this guy would convince them otherwise?
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