Nigerian-born fighter Kamaru Usman has become the first ever African Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion after defeating title holder Tyron Woodley in Las Vegas.
The 31-year-old won his first eight UFC bouts in a run that saw him also beat another former champion Rafael Dos Anjos in November 2018.
Prior to his bout against Woodley, Usman – alias the Nigerian nightmare – had expressed optimism at snatching the title.
Usman triumphed with a unanimous decision, winning 50-44 on two cards and 50-45 on the third.
At the end of the fight, he celebrated his victory in the cage with his daughter before officials tied the belt around his waist.
So huge a moment was it for the Nigerian-born that he could not stop tears from flowing down his cheeks.
Usman’s win was received by worldwide praise on social media. Check these out;
Africa has its first UFC champion, Kamaru Usman!!!!! 🇳🇬🇳🇬 #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/HG93qHsAw2
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) March 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/Chiquadiva/status/1102131055400755205
Kamaru Usman is the new UFC welterweight champion. And boy he had a tough road to get there. The promotion never really set him up to become a clear No. 1 contender, he did it mostly on his own. Well deserved. #UFC235
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) March 3, 2019
Absolute domination from start to finish from Usman. Complete shut out.
Woodley just looked like he didn't want to be there 🤷🏻
Congrats #AndNew UFC champ Kamaru Usman 👏🏻👏🏻 p.s. his daughter is too adorable ❤
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) March 3, 2019
