Fans go wild for ‘INSANE’ fight between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 294 co-main event, as they laud ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ for stepping up on just 10 days notice
- Paulo Costa was ruled out of his fight against Khamzat Chimaev through injury
- Kamaru Usman is stepping up to take on the fearsome undefeated fighter
- Fans have lauded the late replacement, which many think improves the card
Kamaru Usman’s late inclusion to fight Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 has been greeted with plenty of fanfare.
On just 10 days notice, the former welterweight champion is stepping up to replace Paulo Costa and take on the undefeated star.
Costa has problems with an infection in his elbow that has required multiple surgeries, with Dana White confirming that he is out.
And fans could hardly believe it when the co-main event went from one under threat of cancellation to a contest many feel is better than the one originally scheduled.
One wrote: ‘I love seeing fighters like Kamaru Usman stepping up to take on the tough challenges! It’s what makes the sport so thrilling.
Kamaru Usman is stepping up on short notice to take a fight against Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev has been out of action since defeating Kevin Holland in the first round last September
‘The fight against Khamzat is going to be absolutely insane! Can’t wait to see these two warriors go head-to-head in the octagon.’
Another posted: ‘This is going to be the biggest fight of the year (imo). Chimaev is no pushover whatsoever but never underestimate the dog that is in ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Kamaru Usman because he is coming to fight at UFC 294. I favour Usman but don’t be surprised if Khamzat wins.’
While a third added: ‘Short notice older fighter, moving up in weight against the young lion. This is an EXTREME uphill battle logically, still has to travel and get adjusted to Abu Dhabi as well.
‘I really want Kamaru Usman to win at all costs but this is going to be a tough one!’
Dana White revealed the news in a clip he shared online, saying: ‘Costa is hurt, you know all the rumours flying around but we got it done.
‘So the No 4 welterweight in the world Khamzat Chimaev is moving up to middleweight and he will face the No 1 welterweight in the world Kamaru Usman. So No 1 vs No 4 at middleweight, Usman vs Chimaev, I will see you in Abu Dhabi.’
Paulo Costa took this picture of his elbow following surgery to remove an infection
Usman begins as the betting underdog which is hardly a shock given the late notice, calibre of his opponent and fact that he lost to Leon Edwards twice in his last two fights.
But the former dominant champion will be desperate to show he is still a real threat at both 170-pound and now 185-lbs.
Given the fact that Alexander Volkanovski has stepped up to replace the injured Charles Oliveira in the main event, UFC 294 is shaping up to be one of the cards of the year and the organisers deserve plenty of credit for rescuing what could have been a disastrous situation.
Usman lost twice against Leon Edwards and is looking to bounce back in Abu Dhabi
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