Masvidal, nicknamed Gamebred, filled in with six days’ notice and lost 20 pounds in that space of time to fight Usman at UFC Fight Island, after original opponent Gilbert Burns contracted coronavirus.
Browsing: Kamaru Usman
The President’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.
As they waited for the judges scores, Masvidal told Usman: “We’re gonna run it back.”
Masvidal, who was called in as a last-minute replacement after Gilbert Burns tested positive for coronavirus, had called Usman “mentally weak” prior to the fight.
Usman, 33, posted a training video of himself sparring with interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje under the watchful eyes of coach Trevor Wittman.
Usman, who owns a 16-1 record, said he has been ready to defend his title since April.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has congratulated Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya for knocking out 185-pound challenger, Robert Whittaker, to become UFC undisputed world middleweight champion.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, has congratulated US-based Nigerian boxer, Kamaru Usman for defeating American Tyron Woodley, thus becoming the first African fighter to win an Ultimate Fighting Championship title.