Kamaru Usman calls out Demian Maia, vows to ‘get him out’ in the first round

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Kamaru Usman wants a chance to prove he’s the best grappler in the welterweight division.

Usman improved to 4-0 in the UFC with a dominating victory over Warlley Alves at UFC Fight Night 100 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday night, and immediately called out multiple-time jiu-jitsu champion Demian Maia, arguably the best grappler in MMA today.

"This is fighting, at the end of the day," Usman said at the post-fight press conference in Sao Paulo. "This is not a football game where a high school player is talking to an NFL player. This is a fight, at the end of the day. He’s been at the top for a long time, but my style would trump his style. I study this sport. I know that I can get him out of there in the first round."

Usman scored six wins inside the Octagon, including a pair of victories on The Ultimate Fighter reality show, and only one of those wins was by submission. However, the Nigeria-native is confident he can do it even though few people would believe in his words.

"I know people are looking at me like, ‘oh, you’re only a couple of fights deep in the UFC,’" Usman said. "Conor McGregor was one, two fights deep in the UFC before he said he was going to win that title. Not everybody out here trains with me, not everybody knows what I’m capable of. My coaches know what I’m capable of, my training partners know what I’m capable of, and I know what I’m capable of. And I’ve said it: Dana (White), put him up, and I will get him out of there in the first round."

Maia was a guest fighter at UFC Fight Night 100 and watched Usman’s win at the Ibirapuera gymnasium. The Brazilian, who hopes to be the next in line for the UFC welterweight championship, showed no interest in a clash with Usman right now.

Congrats to Usman for a good performance, you have a promising career ahead. Look forward to see you fight more and become a top #10 @ufc

— Demian Maia (@demianmaia) 20 de novembro de 2016