Kamaru Usman On Facing Du Plessis + Fight Week Emotions + Learning To Control Fear | Closed Course

Welcome back to another episode of Closed Course! This week's special guest is former undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman, who owns a 21-4 MMA record. With nine wins by knockout, one by submission, and 11 by decision, he's earned the nickname "The Nigerian Nightmare." He's stepping into the Octagon in Oklahoma City this weekend, but before then, we've got him in studio for an action-packed interview that you won't want to miss. With a fight coming up this weekend against Dricus Du Plessis, Usman discusses the emotions that come with fight week and the thoughts that race through his mind as he prepares to step into the Octagon. He also shares his broader mindset as a fighter and explains how training differs from the actual fight. For Usman, training places a heavy emphasis on the physical aspects of fighting, but once fight night arrives, it becomes almost entirely mental. He takes a deep dive into how he's developed that mindset over time and fine-tuned both his physical and mental preparation throughout his career. Usman also dives into some other intriguing topics, including how he controls fear, his biggest rivalries, the role of trash talk in the UFC, his personal and family life, and his journey into the game of golf. Check out Kamaru Usman's podcast, "Pound 4 Pound" co-hosted with Henry Cejudo, talking everything combat sports Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pound-4-pound-with-kamaru-usman-henry-cejudo/id1732378558 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PUBKGV8KFbbYfvS5W1IR8?si=c198790cb7804759 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pound4pound?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pound4PoundwithKamaruHenry You can find Kamaru on Instagram and X @usman84kg and on TikTok @kamaruusmanmma  Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review for the Closed Course Podcast! Powered by Pins and Aces. Produced by Guerilla Sports