UFC pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman has doubled down on his call out of Canelo Alvarez, saying it's a 'payday' for both of them.
Usman called for a showdown against Canelo in the build-up to his most recent victory over Colby Covington at UFC 268.
Advert
And 'The Nigerian Nightmare' has continued his ambitious pursuit of the Mexican sensation following his big win in New York.
He told TMZ Sports: "I expect a war each and every time I step in there. "Whether it's a cage or it's a ring, I expect a war, you know.
"We as MMA fighters are the one who is courageous enough to step into the boxing ring. But how often does someone get to test themselves against the leading athlete in another sport?
Advert
"He [Canelo Alvarez] is an amazing fighter and I take nothing away from him.
"If it happens, it happens. If not, it is what it is. Payday, payday for both."
Canelo responded bluntly to Usman's challenge and even UFC president Dana White thinks it's a bad idea for the UFC welterweight king.
Advert
Speaking on the night of Usman and Canelo both earning victories in separate events, White said: "I watched the Canelo fight tonight.
"You don't want to fight Canelo. C'mon, man, let's stop this sh*t. If Canelo wants to come over here, let's do it.
"He don't want to box Canelo."
Usman outpointed Covington to make the fifth defence of his UFC title while Canelo stopped Caleb Plant to become the undisputed super-middleweight world champion.
Advert
A blockbuster bout between Usman and Canelo appears extremely unlikely, though it's not stopping the UFC champion from talking up a potential clash.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Boxing, UFC, Canelo Alvarez, Kamaru Usman