SPORTS minister Sunday Dare has congratulated Kamaru Usman for successfully defending his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title on Sunday.
Usman, nicknaned the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, was dominant as he defeated American Colby Covington by unanimous decision in the UFC 268 rematch in New York. The Auchi-born fighter had won the first fight by a fifth-round knockout.
Dare said the exploits of Usman should encourage Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, focus, discipline and determination in a quest to excel and rule the world.
The minister urged the world champion to continue his desire to provide facilities for the promotion and development of the sport in Nigeria.UFC chief executive Dana White had described Usman as potentially the greatest fighter ever in his division after the impressive win over Covington, which was the Nigerian’s 15th straight victory.
“This guy is the best ever. He’s the best welterweight of all time. He is on his way to possible GOAT (greatest of all time) status,” White told reporters.
Usman was in Nigeria in June, when he paid a visit to the minister in Abuja and discussed the development of mixed martial arts in the country.
