UFC icon Kamaru Usman has voiced his strong opinion regarding the significant underdog status of Justin Gaethje in his upcoming title unification bout against Ilia Topuria.
The highly anticipated main event at UFC Freedom 250, set to take place on the White House lawn, will see Gaethje, the interim lightweight champion, clash with Topuria. ‘El Matador’ enters the fight with incredible momentum, having recently claimed the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, and also holds significant victories over Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, solidifying his status as a two-division UFC champion.
While Topuria undeniably carries substantial momentum, Gaethje, known as ‘The Highlight’, is renowned for his resilience and elite performances, consistently proving his worth despite past challenges within the promotion.
Usman Questions Gaethje’s Betting Odds
On a recent episode of his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, co-hosted with Henry Cejudo, Usman expressed his dismay over the betting lines being offered for Gaethje in this crucial bout.
“It’s crazy, these odds,” Usman stated on the podcast. “They still have Justin at like a what, 4-1 underdog? What was Justin in his last fight? He was also a 3-1 underdog the last fight? Something crazy like that. Justin Gaethje was the underdog. It is what it is.”
Usman continued, highlighting his belief that the odds reflect a lack of respect for Gaethje’s capabilities and track record. “Whoever the oddsmakers are, or whatever, I just feel the disrespect is there. Even myself. I was the underdog in my fight [vs. Buckley]. The disrespect is there, but it is what it is. That’s what we love to do as professional athletes. We like to go in there, and we like to really silence the critics. So, I love it.”
Topuria’s recent accomplishments certainly justify his favoritism heading into the fight. However, history shows that underestimating Gaethje has proven costly for many opponents in the past. If ‘El Matador’ shows even a momentary lapse in focus, he could face serious repercussions. This championship clash promises to electrify fans at the White House this summer.