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Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is keeping himself busy in the gym, even without a fight booked. The Nigerian fighter recently shared some training time with NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., who is also recovering from an injury.
Usman, who lost his title to Leon Edwards in a trilogy bout earlier this year, has been vocal about his desire to return to the octagon. He called out rising contender Khamzat Chimaev for a potential title eliminator, but the fight did not materialize. Chimaev is now set to face Paulo Costa in a middleweight clash later this year.
While Usman is still waiting for his next opponent, he is not wasting any time in improving his skills. He teamed up with Beckham Jr., who plays as a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, for some striking drills. The two athletes showed off their power and speed on the pads, as seen in a video posted by GoatShed on Instagram.
Beckham Jr. is also looking to bounce back from a serious injury that sidelined him for most of the 2022 season. He tore his ACL in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, and underwent surgery in February. He is expected to be ready for the 2023 season, and has been working hard to regain his form.
Usman and Beckham Jr. are both known for their athleticism and competitiveness, and they seemed to enjoy each other’s company in the gym. They also exchanged some friendly banter and compliments, as they praised each other’s abilities.