Nigerian-born Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star, Israel Adesanya has taken a look back at where he started and noted the point he currently is in the sport, then declared that there is bound to be a bigger impact for it across Africa in years to come.
Sports247 reports that Adesanya, who is fondly called ‘The Last Style Bender’ and holds the citizenship of New Zealand, was excited to see fellow Nigerian-born MMA fighter, Kamaru Usman defeat Joaquin Buckley last weekend in Atlanta, USA.
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The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) belt holder recalled how he and Usman both blazed the trail together and introduced the sport into the perception of Nigerians.
Adesanya recounted, “My parents were shocked when I first said I wanted to do MMA. For me, there was no one from outside to see the blueprint and show me the way. So, we had to pave the way.”
He admitted it was difficult in the early days, because there was no hero for him to look up to from Nigeria or Africa, unlike young footballers who are inspired by many icons that have emerged many years before them.
Adesanya added, “Footballers can say, ‘I want to be like Jay Jay Okocha.’ Or parents can say, ‘My son will play football.’ For me, it was different, and we paved the way.
“So, people can now say, ‘I want to be like Kamaru Usman.’ They see us as the path … the way you’ll go from a newbreed to a contender and then a champion.”
He concluded by expressing satisfaction that Africans can now talk lovingly about MMA with authority and lots of passion, but reasoned further that an even greater impact will still be achieved for the sport on the continent.
“The continent of Africa can now understand MMA and, like football, we want to make it loud. Let’s make it big.
“I honestly believe we have the pedigree and, eventually, when that happens, I think we will really, really take over the terrain,”
concluded Adesanya, who earlier posted a video of himself while watching Usman live during last weekend’s battle with Buckley.
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