KAMARU USMAN revealed that he had broken his hand during the UFC 268 rematch with Colby Covington.
According to the Nigerian star, he inflicted the injury on Justin Gaethje, a lightweight sparring partner.
Usman defeated Covington, despite having broken his right hand three weeks prior to the fight
Usman won the unanimous decision over the trash-talking American to defend his UFC Welterweight Championship earlier in this month.
The legendary 34-year old fighter now confirms that he had a significant physical challenge to overcome three weeks before the showdown, when he fractured his right hand.
He said, "I broke it [his righthand] before the fight."
"Most people didn’t know this. It was broken three weeks prior, but I didn't throw the item until the day of fight.
"I did not throw it until backstage, when you were warming up for the fight." My right hand was the only thing I used for three weeks.
He continued, "I broke it onto someone's heads, Justin Gaethje"
Usman is well-known for not paying attention to injuries before he gets into fights. He is reported to have had a broken nose prior to last year's Jorge Masvidal fight.
He won the fight in convincing fashion.
Usman has an amazing run of 19 consecutive MMA wins. This streak dates back to his 2013 pro fight, when he lost to Jose Caceres.
He has been a dominant figure in the UFC and is now looking to boxing for possible challenges.
The welterweight champion called Canelo Alvarez, a pound-for-pound boxing superstar, for a crossover match earlier in the month.
He stated to TMZ Sports that he had already spoken Canelo, the name that interests him. This is what interests me.
"If I don’t believe in me, why would I do it?" Yes, I believe in myself.
"He's amazing. He's amazing. "How often do you get to compare yourself against the best?"
Despite Usman's desire for Alvarez to be his opponent, UFC boss Dana White dismissed the possibility of them meeting in the future.
White was asked about a possible clash after Usman's victory over Covington, and Canelo’s victory over Caleb Plant. He replied, "He doesn’t want fight Canelo.
"C'mon man, let's stop this ***." [Kamaru] won't fight Canelo because Alvarez in the ring is so damn dangerous."
