President Buhari Congratulates Kamaru Usman On UFC Title Defence

Buhari Congratulates Kamaru Usman On UFC Title Defence

By Niyi Busari

President Muhammadu Buhari has heartily congratulated Kamarudeen Usman on the successful defence of his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title with an emphatic win over Jorge Masvidal, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

As the first African-born and Nigerian UFC Champion, President Buhari commended the courageous fighter for finishing strong inside the octagon, proudly flying the green and white colours in distant lands, and reminding the world that good things and great people still come out of Nigeria.

While the global COVID-19 pandemic may have brought gloom to many families and nations, the President is 'delighted and gratified that our welterweight champion has lifted our spirits with another professional performance proving that things will surely get better at the fullness of time when we remain committed to our vision'.

The President wished Usman the very best and more victories in his career and prays that like fine wine, he improves with age.

Born May 11, 1987, Kamarudeen Usman is a Nigerian American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Welterweight Champion.

Usman was scheduled to defend his title for the second time against Gilbert Burns on July 12, 2020 at UFC 251. Both being originally from the same camp – Sanford MMA – Usman opted to train under Trevor Wittman heading into the fight.

On July 3, 2020, it was revealed that Burns tested positive for COVID-19, and he was subsequently removed from the card. On July 5, 2020, it was Jorge Masvidal that stepped in on short notice and served as a replacement for Burns. Usman defeated Masvidal 17-1 to win the fight and retain his feat as welterweight champion.