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“What motivates me is money,” Usman said. “Being able to feed my family, have money to not stress, to be able to wake up and know your bills are paid, my kids are fed, that’s my motivation.”
“My long-term goal is to be a champion in the UFC in whatever weight division I decide and be one of the best in the world. At first, I just wanted to be a great fighter, but now more and more as I’m getting to this high level and really indulging in the sport of MMA, I want to be one of the best.”
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At first, it was difficult for Usman to find a rhythm back in the gym after suffering a thumb injury in the TUF finale. Despite taking eight months to recover, Usman still didn’t feel 100 percent. The injury didn’t stop him, however, from accepting a bout with Australian knockout artist Junior Tafa.
Knowing how dangerous of a striker Tafa is, Usman’s gameplan was pretty straightforward; press him up against the cage or take him to the mat. By the end of round three, Usman had accumulated over 12 minutes of total control time – clinch and ground combined – on his way to a unanimous decision victory.