Kamaru Usman has begun running laps around all the contenders the UFC welterweight division has to offer. While the reigning champ is not expecting to face Leon Edwards in a rematch, he is keeping his title defence alive with that encounter against Saul “Canelo Alvarez.

Around the time of Usman’s last fight with Colby Covington in Nov. 2021, he expressed interest in taking his talents to the boxing ring specifically for a match with Canelo — the man largely considered the best boxer in the world. As a fighter many see as MMA’s current best, Usman still wants to make it happen and has taken aim for the possibility by year’s end.

“In 2022, I’m gonna shock the world,” Usman told TMZ Sports. “July, International Fight Week, I’m gonna fight Leon Edwards. God willing I get through Leon Edwards, September, Mexican Independence Day, I will stop Canelo Alvarez.

“Absolutely I see myself winning that fight. And that’s the thing that a lot of people fail to realize. Many people believe they are incapable of doing something and try to force it upon others. “Oh, no! It can’t be done.’ Everything can’t be done until it’s done. Many people will say that you can’t accomplish it. He’s just too talented, skilled, and strong. He is too large, has knockout power and is fast. How did this happen? What happened? I’m not gonna step in there if I don’t think I can get it done.”

Canelo was on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani this week and seemed more open to the idea that he could fight Usman. “Maybe. Why not? You never say no,” he said.

From Usman’s point of view, Canelo is unlikely to do much more in boxing, particularly from a financial perspective. When you consider the fight that was this hypothetically important, Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor did very well in that area.

“Boxing is dead at the end of the day and I’m not saying there’s not good boxers, there’s some fantastic boxers,” Usman said. “Errol Spence Jr., I mean there’s a ton of guys that I could go down and really tell you that are fantastic fighters. Boxing is in decline. Everyone wants entertainment. And when have you ever seen the pound-for-pound against the pound-for-pound?

“He’s walking around saying payday, payday… absolutely. It’s the biggest payday you are ever gonna make. I understand that he gets paid, he makes money. He’ll fight me for the largest payday. We talking nine figures, for sure.”

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TOP STORIES

Recipe. Dan Lambert says he added ‘ingredient’ to Colby Covington’s character.

Rankings. Check out the latest update to MMA Fighting’s Pound-for-Pound rankings.

Trolls. Kevin Holland reveals that he’s gotten trolled more since inviting trolls to gym.

Boxing. Canelo Alvarez doesn’t rule out the possibility of a Kamaru Usman crossover match.

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VIDEO STEW

Between the Links.

UFC 272 pre-fight press conference.

UFC 272 pre-fight press conference reaction.

Embedded 4.

The must-see matchup.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

That could be it for Michelle Waterson.

Khamzat + Dana.

Versace Conor.

Cain is supported by JDS.

Another flying knee?

New deal for “Gamebred.”

Chael does not have any answers.

That one O’Malley post-fight interview.

BMF Masvidal finishes.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Gilbert Burns (20-4) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (10-0); UFC 273, April 9

Krzysztof Jotko (23-5) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (34-14); UFC Vegas 53, April 30

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I’ve never liked or been interested in any sort of boxing-MMA crossover type of fights because we typically always know how they’ll go. But honestly, Kamaru kind of swayed me with just that simple and confident line of, “Everything can’t be done until it’s done.” He’s got a point. So why the hell not? There is only one way to discover the truth, right? Thanks for reading!

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EXIT POLL

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