Kamaru Usman delivers no-holds-barred message to welterweight division: "Shut your mouths"

Kamaru Usman has demanded patience from the UFC welterweight division regarding his inevitable Octagon return.

The last few years have been disappointing for Usman's fighting career. The former UFC welterweight champion and top pound-for-pound fighter hasn't won since November 2021 against Colby Covington. He's since suffered consecutive defeats against Leon Edwards, twice, and Khamzat Chimaev up at middleweight.

Usman remains the No. 3-ranked UFC welterweight despite not fighting in the division since March 2023. Luckily, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' is nearing a return to the cage after focusing on a full recovery from lingering injuries.

During an episode of Pound 4 Pound, Usman had this to say about welterweight contenders accusing him of avoiding specific matchups:

"For those of you who keep thinking I'm not fighting because I'm choosing not to fight, like all these stupid guys, these stupid fighters who are running their mouths saying, 'He don't want to fight me. He don't want to fight me.' Shut your mouth. No one is scared of any of y'all. I've been at the top of the division, pound-for-pound with an iron fist spanking all of y'all for a while. So listen, when I am healthy, I will get in there."

Usman followed up by saying:

"I want to fight, and I can't wait to fight to whoop one of y'all. Shut your mouths all of you stupid welterweights. Shut your mouth and wait for when I'm healthy again. I'll fight all of you. I don't care, just be patient, okay? Thank you, 2025 will be a great year for everybody."

Watch Kamaru Usman sound off on welterweight contenders below:

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Kamaru Usman tied to rumors for fight against Jack Della Maddalena

Kamaru Usman has been tied to various rumors for his inevitable Octagon return. The most popular matchup being discussed is against number four-ranked Jack Della Maddalena, who's closing in on a welterweight title shot.

Maddalena made his UFC debut in January 2022. The Aussie has since established a promotional record of 7-0, including five wins inside the distance. He last fought in March 2024, a third-round knockout against Gilbert Burns.

With a potential win against Usman, Maddalena could be next in line for a title shot against Belal Muhammad. It should be noted that neither fighter nor the UFC has confirmed this matchup to be next.

Most reports have also linked Della Maddalena to the spot opposite Leon Edwards in the UFC London headliner this March.

Watch the entire previously mentioned episode of 'Pound 4 Pound' below: