Nigerian borne UFC fighter Israel Adesonya as responded to question asked about staging a possible mixed martial arts championship in Africa, possibly Nigeria. Israel, in his interview with UFC program, What Went Wrong, stated that he can’t wait to fight in front of citizens of his mother continent.
The UFC is an American organization but a large number of it’s fighters cuts across every culture of the world as it’s now more diverse than before in order to get talented fighters around the world and also attract International audience as there are now three current champions who are from the African soil of which two are Nigerians.
“Three kings, what a picture, we are all champs. We are living it, we are in it, we are living history right now.” As Israel admires a photograph of the three Africans.
“We changed the game, I am proud to be part of this trio. In hundred years from now, our names will be in history, written on stones, gold and it’s something you can never take away from us. Israel Adesanya, his compatriot, Kamaru Usman and Cameronian, Francis Ngannou have recently dominated thier various divisions fighting in far away lands and these three men will be in the mouth of many for a long time. In other sports, spectators have enjoyed the physical presence of sports men going around the world but the UFC have not trailed that path yet.
Talking of an MMA bout in Africa, Adesanya has said he couldn’t wait for that to happen as he considers his opponent as good as dead. “I think who ever I am fighting is dead. There is something about fighting in front of your people, the energy they give you, the spirit they give you. Even in London, Nigerians we are everywhere. I will be like ‘oshe! Naija niyen, wa she ire.”
Israel Adesanya was born and raised in Nigeria before he moved to New Zealand as a child.he has recorded a 17 fight undefeated winning streak in the UFC. Concluding on his take about a possible UFC in Nigeria, he still maintains a hundred percent confidence that he will never let the cheering fans down and his people will in turn cheer him to victory.
“I know my people, the vibe. When ever we are in a room or arena, the energy, you can’t fake it. UFC in Nigeria will be crazy. UFC Africa.”
