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Kamaru Usman: ‘I’m high enough’ in status to no longer be ‘back-up’ fighter

UFC welterweight contender Kamaru Usman was present during UFC 228 two weekends ago in Dallas. According to him, he was tapped as a possible replacement fighter, should anything happen to either Tyron Woodley or Darren Till, both of whom were slated to headline the card.

These days, however, “The Nigerian Nightmare” says he will no longer be considering taking on such a role.

“I think I’m high enough to where I’m in a position I don’t have to that anymore,” Usman told ESPN. “I did it for this fight because I want to be the champion [but] they put another guy ahead of me.