The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) might be a less glamorous sport in Nigeria compared to the likes of wrestling and boxing.
However, the African country is not short of UFC champions across different weight levels. Besides having a meteoric rise to stardom within a short time, these Nigerian-born UFC fighters boast an impressive win record that will rival any other nations.
At NetBet, we have analysed four Active UFC Fighters in Nigeria that are currently making waves in their chosen profession.
Israel Adesanya (The Last Style Bender)
Born Mobolaji Israel Adesanya on the 22nd July, 1989, the highly talented mixed martial artist, boxer and kickboxer is the brightest star among UFC fighter with Nigerian origin. He has won multiple titles since he began his career at 18 years of age.
Israel Adesanya represents New Zealand and he equally has a rich history in China. His country of origin has generated a lot of heat between UFC lovers. However, the Stylebender has pledged his allegiance to Nigeria on several occasions with Nigeria pseudonym, “Naija” tattooed across his chest.
He had an impressive 32-0-win record in amateur kickboxing before moving to China where he continued to create records.
Israel’s attribute in the ring include flawless striking and Matrix-esque skills in defending and preventing takedowns. His head movement gave several of his opponents a tough time in the ring.
Apart from being a skillful fighter, Adesanya is a great entertainer and his dance in his last fight against Robert Whittaker generated a lot of positive social media review.
Despite his numerous successes, Israel is regarded as one of the most respectful fighters to the opponents, an attribute that has endeared him to many fans.
Some of the notable opponents he has overcome in the ring include Kelvin Gastellum, Anderson Silva, Derek Brunson, and most recently Robert Whittaker.
He is currently the middleweight champion with a flawless UFC record of 18-0-0.
Kamaru Usman (Marty)
Another highly impressive Nigerian-descent UFC fighter. Born on May 8, 1987, Kamaru is the present Welterweight Champion with a UFC record of 15-1-0 and 10 winning streak. His style is more of wrestling as he is a bit slower compared to Adesanya.
His rise to stardom is not that quick like his fellow country man, Israel but nevertheless he is a fighting champion in his own right winning the highly coveted welterweight champion on March 2nd 2019 when he defeated Tyron Woodley.
Among the opponents he has faced in the ring are Marcus Hicks, Michael Graves, and Tyron Woodley. Usman’s next fight is scheduled with Colby Covington, a man with similar fight with welterweight champion. This fight is highly rated among UFC fans. He will be expected to face Jorge Masvidal or Nate Diaz of he emerges Victoria against Covington.
Sodiq Yusuff (Super Sodiq)
Nigerian-born mixed martial artist representing the featherweight, Sodiq Yussuf is a 26-years old UFC fighter. He was born on May 19, 1993. A fast striker and heavy puncher, Super Sodiq gained prominence in the octagon ring when he won two of his first three fights via knock out.
He began his professional career in 2016 competing under different organisations. On December 2, 2018, Sodiq debuted against Suman Mokhtarian in UFC winning via technical knockout in the first round.
The subsequent duel was against Gabriel Benitez, winning again in the first round through a knockout.
Like his colleagues, Yussuf also boast an impressive UFC record of 10 wins 0 draw and 1 loss.
With his pace, Sodiq is tipped to be a massive success owing to his well-rounded fighting ability. His next UFC fight will be against Adre Fili on 18th of January, 2020.
Kennedy Nzechukwu
Born on June 13, 1992, Kennedy Nzechukwu is a Nigeria-born UFC fighter in the light heavyweight category. Hailing from Imo state, Kennedy is a well-built martial artist with Southpaw stance.
His first professional fight in UFC was against Thal Walwyn, a combat he won on Xxtreme Knockout 34 on January 28th, 2017.
He would go ahead to defeat 7 other opponents with his only loss coming against Paul Graig. Given his stature and technique, Kennedy has what it takes to triumph in UFC, and all his are on him to fulfil his career aspirations.
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