22 March 2023 , 11:20
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Francis Ngannou has suggested Kamaru Usman did not train properly for his defeat to Leon Edwards as he was struggling with injury.
Usman was looking to secure immediate redemption against Edwards who snatched the 170lb from the Nigerian star last year with a final-round KO win. The trilogy bout brought about a similar result with 'Rocky' retaining his belt at the first time of asking, winning on points in London at UFC 286.
Rumours had been gathering pace prior to the main event that Usman had suffered a knee injury in the build-up, but the ex-champion played them down himself insisting he was ready. However former UFC heavyweight Ngannou has since defended his friend's display insisting he was unable to be entirely prepared.
"I know that he didn’t train. He didn’t have [time] to train properly because of a lot of injuries, but he was there," Ngannou said when assessing the UFC 286 trilogy result on his YouTube channel. " He was there. It’s a victory, an unfortunate victory, but I think now he’s mentally healthy than what he was before.
"Usually when people get knocked out, they don't come back in the fight. Like, they will be like wobbly, he [Usman] was there before which is like a lot of step back. I know that he didn't train, he didn't have to train properly because of a lot of injuries, but he was there."
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The Cameroon star was quick to pay tribute to Usman after his display on social media with public backing, as he faces a period of recovery before working out a new route to regaining the title. Edwards rallied to a win in front of his home British crowd, and will likely now face an immediate challenge from American star Colby Covington.
Kamaru Usman lost to Leon Edwards at UFC 286 (PA)What did you make of Kamaru Usman's performance against Leon Edwards? Let us know in the comments section below
It remains unclear if there will be a potential fourth meeting between Edwards and Usman, but the new champion has admitted he first intends to move on and pursue alternative challenges. “Just competitive,” Edwards said at the post-fight press conference. “I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next.
"There was never no beef between me and Kamaru. I feel we both just felt we was the better man and that was it. You heard his words after the fight and I feel the same way. I wish him well. The sport is hard, so respect to him. It’s been three fights now and I want to move forward in my career. I’ll look towards more different fights.
“Like I said, anyone can get it. Prove your case in the division and I’ll give you a title shot. I want to be an active champion. I’m only young, so I want to be fighting. If you prove your case, then I’ll fight you. That’s it.”