UFC star Jimi Manuwa is headed to Las Vegas to demand monster reward for London win with Daniel Cormier, Anthony Johnson, Jon Jones and David Haye in his sights but pet Uzi left behind
Londoner is taking his family for the America trip where he will cause a stir among UFC bosses who are impressed with his power
UFC superstar Jimi Manuwa is going to Vegas for showdown talks over a light heavyeight title shot armed with an arsenal of KO wins but without his beloved Uzi.
The Londoner destroyed Corey Anderson in his last fight and revealed four huge names on his hit list; boxer David Haye, UFC champ Daniel Cormier, Anthony Johnson and Jon Jones.
The powerhouse jets to American to see who he will get his heavy hands on next but he’s heartbroken to be leaving behind Doberman pup Uzi who cannot make the trip.
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Before the spectacular Anderson KO, Manuwa revealed how hard it was spending time in training camp, away from his missus, his kids… and his dog.
He admitted he got chewed out for listing Uzi in his list of loves, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Manuwa said: “I did get in trouble for mentioning him with the missus and kids but I have always been a dog and animal lover so she understands.
“I got him imported from Germany so he is a good one. He's from the U litter so his name had to being with that letter and Uzi was best I could do.
“We are dropping him to a boarding place for while we are away, he’s been there before and they are really good and look after him.
“I am going to miss him, I am. He’s like my best mate.
"Before we go I am going out to buy all his favourite toys and comforts so he has his blanket, he will be alright.
“I don’t get stuck with all the work, the kids love him and my oldest daughter takes him for walks, the missus feeds him but he always comes to me for cuddles.
“Even if I get up to go to the toilet, he gets up with me and doesn’t leave my side.
“He’s two-and-a-half. My last dog died two-and-a-half years ago and Uzi is sort of their replacement. It was really sad, especially with the kids.”
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The Vegas trip is not strictly business, one day will be focussed on lining up a title shot at the winner of Cormier vs Johnson II on April 8.
If he doesn't get a go at the gold he could land a huge payday against UFC legend Jones or boxer Haye.
The rest of the well-earned trip will be spent on the Manuwa brood who missed out on a break last year while dad was making a name for himself as one of the UFC's most dangerous men.
Mauwa said: “I have a couple of important meetings but they will only take half a day so it’s ok.
“I am going to UFC to watch the fight and then I am going to have a whole load of fun with the kids because I owe them.
“We didn’t get to go on holiday last year so I owe them a good one and Easter in Vegas should be good. Grand Canyon, helicopters, all of that.
“There are a lot of big fights out there now because of that last performance - a title shot and other things.
“I am flying out there to cause a stir and claim my big fight, my title shot and I believe I do deserve it.
“I was never one for calling people out before and maybe it counted against me but now the sport has changed and there is a showbiz element.
“I am starting to move with it now, I have done my first call out and now is the time to do it, now is the time to speak out, otherwise you get left behind”
A bit like Uzi...