Kamaru Usman has welcomed the idea of defending the UFC welterweight title against Conor McGregor if he beats Leon Edwards.
Usman, 35, looks to win back his 170lb belt six months after losing it by devastating knockout to Edwards in their rematch. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' was dominating the fight before being knocked out with a last-gasp head-kick to lose his belt with less than a minute remaining.
McGregor has previously labelled Usman as a "sloppy, orthodox wrestler" who poses no danger to him in a potential fight. The Irishman mocked Usman after he was knocked out by Edwards last August and with 'Notorious' stating his interest in fighting for the welterweight title, Usman admitted that he would be open to facing McGregor.
"I've always said I'll welcome it," Usman said of facing McGregor. "So if it happens it happens." Edwards was also asked about potentially facing McGregor, to which he replied: "As the king, I'll welcome all challengers. So whoever comes can get it."
Who wins at UFC 286 - Leon Edwards or Kamaru Usman? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
Usman has previously stated a fight between him and McGregor "wouldn't be fair" because of their size difference. McGregor mocked Usman when he was knocked out by Edwards by tweeting: "Mi no lika the boi no sleep dem man hahahaha t*** got t****ed", something Usman felt was unnecessary given he didn't mock McGregor after his back-to-back defeats to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
McGregor would become the first UFC fighter in history to win world titles in three weight classes if he claims the 170lb belt having previously found success at featherweight and lightweight. His comeback fight later this year against Michael Chandler is set to take place at welterweight and McGregor wants a title shot if he gets past the American.
"I'd like a welterweight title shot," McGregor said during an appearance on The MMA Hour. "So I would like that. I am definitely ready for 170lb. "I'd like to see myself in there again and see what happens with that division. I'd like to get in and see what's going on in there.
“I may be present for the card [Edwards vs Usman 3], we are making moves at the Black Forge in London, so I was scheduled to go out there so after this, Gunni’s [Gunnar Nelson] also on the card so it would be good to see him live. It would be good to watch that welterweight title for sure."
