UFC
HOW FATHER’S PRISON SENTENCE POWERED KAMARU USMAN’S UFC AMBITION
For years now, Nigerian born- Kamaru Usman has been a man nobody in the UFC‘s welterweight division wanted to face.
But having won all nine of his fights in the organisation, his claim for a title showdown became undeniable and the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ completely outclassed Tyron Woodley last year to finally reach the top of the tree.
Now he’s the one calling the shots and Conor McGregor is firmly in his sights.
Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz – who has a long and bitter history with McGregor as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s representative – teased the Irishman with the idea of a welterweight title fight on social media.
McGregor is uncharacteristically silent on the matter so far but Usman has taken the idea and run with it. He told ESPN: ‘I’m gonna give him the opportunity, if Conor wants, let’s do it. But Conor’s quiet now. Who says no to a title shot? I’ve never seen this in history, who says no when the champ says come and get your title shot?
‘Unless you know you have no chance in hell of winning. This might change the landscape of your fighting career ever. That’s the only chance I can see people saying “I’m going to pass on that title shot right there”.’
Now that the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ has established himself as the dominant force in the 170-pound division, winning his first title defence against Colby Covington last December, he’s in the market for money fights and there is no greater payday than a clash with McGregor.
Given the 33-year-old’s seven-year winning streak and perfect record in the UFC, Usman still flies somewhat under the radar without the credit he deserves.
A fight with McGregor would bring him unparalleled limelight and now seems an apt time to look at his ascent to the top.
As deduced from his nickname, Usman was born in Nigeria and spent the first eight years of his life there before moving to the United States.
He’s since reflected on humble beginnings, recalling that the family house didn’t really have plumbing, they had to walk to a well for water and electricity was notoriously unreliable.
Usman was given a tough time at school to start with given the language barrier but worked hard and his athletic ability was obvious. He began wrestling as a 15-year-old in high school and his record by the time he graduated was formidable, 53 wins and just three defeats.
He earned an athletic scholarship to college but in 2010, Kamaru and the Usman family were dealt a devastating blow as his father Muhammad was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
–Daily Mail
UFC
BREAKING! Israel Adesanya loses to Dricus du Plessis
Israel Adesanya early Sunday morning lost to Dricus du Plessis of South Africa in the main event of UFC 305 in a grudge match in Perth, Australia. The Nigerian, a two-time former champion, was attempting to regain the middleweight title.
He however lost in the fourth round via submission. A disappointed Adesanya declared that he was not going to retire after the loss.
Adesanya said he was disappointed, that this was the best he’s ever felt and he just lost to the better man on the night. Then he talked about possibly retiring, saying he hasn’t thought about it. Then he puts Perth over and says “I’m not f*cking leaving!”
Du Plessis also offered some words of encouragement to Adesanya, who later applauds the South African’s win.
UFC
Adesanya loses UFC middleweight crown to underdog!
Underdog Sean Strickland pulled off a stunning upset to defeat Israel Adesanya and claim the UFC middleweight title at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, winning by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards after an enthralling five-round battle.
American Strickland taunted Adesanya in the closing seconds of the final frame, confident of victory after 25 minutes of stalking his opponent, defending brilliantly and using his boxing to force Adesanya to fight off the back foot.
Adesanya, who has ruled the roost as middleweight champ for most of the last four years, failed to find a way to break Strickland down and the 34-year-old Nigerian was caught several times by stiff jabs from Strickland that slowed him down.
“Oh my God, literally never in a million years did I thought I’d be here,” Strickland said in an interview in the cage after UFC president Dana White wrapped the championship belt around his waist.
After giving him a hostile reception on his way to the octagon and cheering for Adesanya, who grew up in neighbouring New Zealand, throughout, the crowd hailed the new champion for his gutsy performance.
“The majority of my friends he’s beaten pretty easily, so I was even kind of doubting myself, but I’ve gotta say to the fans, you guys motivated me,” Strickland said.
Strickland set the course for victory with a thunderous right hand at the end of the first round, almost securing a knockout, and though Adesanya managed to make it to the break, he never really got going again after that.
Known for his creative striking, the Nigerian-born Adesanya became increasingly desperate as the fight wore on and he won only one of the five rounds, with the three judges awarding the rest to Strickland on identical 49-46 scorecards.
-Reuters
UFC
Another Nigerian battle in Australia as Israel Adesanya stakes middleweight title against Sean Strickland in Sydney
Israel Adesanya will defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia on 10 September.
Adesanya, 34, last fought in April, beating long-term rival Alex Pereira to regain the belt he had lost five months earlier.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander was set to fight Dricus du Plessis next but the South African is injured.
American Strickland, 32, will be competing in his first UFC title fight.
He stepped up a division on short notice to beat Nassourdine Imavov in January before knocking out Abusupiyan Magomedov in July.
Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White has confirmed Conor McGregor’s next opponent will “definitely” be Michael Chandler.
Ireland’s McGregor tweeted last week calling for a bout with Justin Gaethje, who defeated Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, casting doubt on the matchup with Chandler.
McGregor and Chandler have been opposing coaches on the UFC’s reality television series, The Ultimate Fighter, this year.
“I talked to Conor, either yesterday or the day before, and yeah, he’s ready to fight,” said White.
“Listen, get in shape and let’s figure this out.
“[It’s] definitely Chandler. Conor likes to [mess] with everybody – especially his opponent, or possible opponents.”
-BBC
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