"Book it" - Fans welcome the idea of Robert Whittaker asking Kamaru Usman to 'stick around' at middleweight

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman made his middleweight debut in UFC 294's co-main event against Khamzat Chimaev.

Usman had to step in on short notice as a replacement for Brazilian contender Paulo Costa after the latter withdrew due to injury. Usman gave an honest account of himself against the unbeaten Chimaev and took him the distance, even gaining momentum as the fight progressed, just as it looked like 'Borz' was fading.

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker was appreciative of the effort and advocated for him to continue in the division.

“Is he gonna stay at middleweight? I don’t know. That fight interests me, I like that fight. I’d fight a middleweight Usman. I don’t think it’s a bad fight to have. Makes things interesting and exciting. I am here for it. I hope he [Usman] stays. Stick around. It’s fun up here, mate.”

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Robert Whittaker's comments and called for matchup between the two former champs at 185 pounds.

"@USMAN84kg vs. @robwhittakermma #UFC300 @danawhite book it! 🔥🔥"

"That’s a good fight usman should stay at middle tbh he’s got nothing left to do at welterweight"

"Definitely the fight to make. But as a Whittaker fan, I don’t like his odds against Usman"

"Whittaker with the nice callouts as usual"

Fans also speculated about a Khamzat Chimaev rematch and a potential UFC 300 opener.

"If Usman does and gets acclimated to a new weight. He’ll wreak havok, and sleep Khamzat in a rematch."

"I absolutely love this for ufc 300 intro"

Check out fans comments in the screenshots below:

Fans react to Whittaker's comments on Usman.

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Kamaru Usman speaks out after UFC 294 loss against Khamzat Chimaev

Kamaru Usman showed his commitment to the sport and his desire to fight by accepting a short notice fight against a man in sensational form, Khamzat Chimaev.

'The Nigerian Nightmare' showed his grace in the aftermath of the fight by accepting his loss and showing gratitude and respect. He promised to be back again after training harder.

He wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter):

"I dared 2 be great & fell short. Sometimes this is the journey of life. I prey I never complain about the cards I’ve been dealt 4 I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams Alhamdulilah 4 everything. We go back 2 the drawing board &Insha Allah we’ll be back #UFC294 #GREATFUL"

Check out Kamaru Usman's post on X below: