Kamaru Usman Slams "Disrespectful" Underdog Odds for Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria

UFC icon Kamaru Usman has voiced his opinion on Justin Gaethje's significant underdog odds ahead of his anticipated clash with Ilia Topuria.

At UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje is set to face Ilia Topuria in a high-stakes main event on the White House lawn. This bout will unify the lightweight championship, with Gaethje currently holding the interim title. Topuria, fresh off an impressive run that includes knockout victories over elite fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira, enters the fight as a two-division UFC champion.

Naturally, much of the momentum is with Ilia Topuria. However, Justin Gaethje, known for his relentless fighting style, is not one to be underestimated. Despite past challenges, Gaethje has consistently delivered world-class performances, cementing his deserving place at the top.

During a recent episode of his "Pound 4 Pound" podcast, co-hosted with Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman shared his thoughts on the wide betting discrepancies for Gaethje in this fight.

Kamaru Usman on Justin Gaethje’s odds vs Ilia Topuria

Usman remarked, "It’s crazy, these odds. They still have Justin at like a what, 4-1 underdog? What was Justin in his last fight? He was also a 3-1 underdog the last fight? Something crazy like that. Justin Gaethje was the underdog. It is what it is." He continued, "Whoever the oddsmakers are, or whatever, I just feel the disrespect is there. Even myself. I was the underdog in my fight. The disrespect is there, but it is what it is. That’s what we love to do as professional athletes. We like to go in there, and we like to really silence the critics. So, I love it."

While Ilia Topuria's recent dominant victories certainly justify his status as the favorite, overlooking 'The Highlight' could prove to be a costly error for 'El Matador.' Many opponents have underestimated Gaethje in the past, only to regret it.

Regardless of the odds, this championship unification bout promises to be an electrifying event, captivating fans at the White House this summer.