Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist, Kamaru Usman, a leading figure in the Face-Off 2-night fight has reiterated his commitment to seeing that the show produces world stars from Africa who can compete on the global UFC stage as the show kicks off with 9 professional MMA fights today at the Eko hotel.
Kamaru who currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is the current UFC Welterweight Champion made this known during the weight in session yesterday, Sports247 gathered.
“We want to create the opportunities for these fighters to get the experience in Africa and it starts from now. This fight will prepare them to get to the UFC but there isn’t a specific date of when that Will happen but we will continue this event until these guys are ready to go,” he said while addressing members of the press.
“We are doing it right now, our focus is on the AKO show, building the fighters up, creating a platform for them to show their levels and when they are ready, they go all out.”
On the criteria for participation, he stated that it is solely based on talents and visibility, “as long as we continue to grow AKO show, we will get more fighters, one by one we will find these guys and show the world that Nigeria has good fighters.”
“Some companies don’t understand the dynamics of this sport in terms of economic and national development, fighting can help change and uplift the landscape of anyone and as long as you have two hands, you can fight, you will go to the top and that’s why AKO show is giving talented individuals life to help their family.”
Speaking further about government contribution, he said, “the federal govt has to be informed to develop a solid foundation, to align and uphold the federation in every state because sport can change the fortunes of everyone. They are to make sure everything is running effectively and efficiently.”
“Fighting is nothing new in Nigeria. It takes time to build to the global stage and that’s why we emploring private sectors who aren’t seeing the need to contribute to this to join the plane before it moves.”
Usman cleared the air on what it takes to set up such glamourous tourney, “It cost a lot of money to do him, we are doing a major, A’ class event here and that’s how you start things, you don’t have to start things like this with profit in mind. It will get better as it progresses.”
The face-off 2 fight night will begin by 6 pm today at the Eko hotel with Damilare Idris Abdulraheem at 88.5kg vs Godwin Ambrose at 89kg to kick start the show.
