Nigeria has developed as a combat sports powerhouse, producing some of the most talented and formidable fighters in both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and professional boxing.
These athletes have not only won their respective sports but have also become prominent characters in their respective sports, motivating a new generation of Nigerian warriors to follow in their footsteps. Combat sports are the second most bet events in the country, trailing only football, especially as the AFCON qualifiers approach, but these actual skills have also contributed significantly to the attention.
Kamaru Usman – UFC Welterweight Champion
Kamaru aka “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman is without a doubt the most well-known Nigerian name in the UFC. Usman, who was born in Auchi, Nigeria, relocated to the United States at a young age and began wrestling in high school. His move to MMA was smooth, and he swiftly progressed through the ranks, displaying his superb wrestling skills, constant pressure, and unbreakable dedication.
Usman defeated Tyron Woodley in March 2019 to realise his dream of becoming UFC Welterweight Champion. Since then, he has successfully defended the title numerous times against strong competitors, cementing his position as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters. Usman’s triumph has not only put Nigerian MMA on the map, but it has also inspired future Nigerian sportsmen to pursue their dreams.
Israel Adesanya – UFC Middleweight Champion
Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya is another Nigerian superstar making waves in the UFC. Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and migrated to New Zealand at a young age, where he discovered his interest for martial arts. Inside and beyond the Octagon, his distinct striking style, precision, and charm immediately made him a fan favourite, and not one to shy away from controversy from time to time too.
Adesanya’s meteoric climb culminated in October 2019, when he defeated Robert Whittaker to win the UFC Middleweight Championship. Since then, he has successfully defended his belt and even moved up in weight to compete for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. His achievements have earned him awards and widespread recognition, propelling him to the ranks of the UFC’s most recognised fighters.
Anthony Joshua – Unified Heavyweight Boxing Champion
Anthony Joshua is one of the most dominant heavyweight champions in recent history in professional boxing. Despite being born in Watford, England, Joshua’s Nigerian ethnicity has always been an important part of his identity, and he takes great delight in representing Nigeria in sports.
Joshua’s ascension was nothing short of inspirational. He shifted to the professional ranks after earning a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and swiftly accumulated a remarkable unbeaten record. He won the IBF heavyweight title in April 2016 by defeating Charles Martin, and he has since unified the heavyweight division by adding the WBA, WBO, and IBO crowns to his collection.
Although Joshua has had some lacklustre performances recently, he hopes once again to rise to the pinnacle of boxing with a rematch against a former rival in Dillian Whyte, but it could be a slow run back to the top.
Samuel Peter – Former WBC Heavyweight Boxing Champion
Before Anthony Joshua rose to fame, another Nigerian fighter had already made a name for himself in the world of boxing. Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter had a successful career, most notably capturing the WBC heavyweight title in 2008 by defeating Oleg Maskaev.
Peter’s aggressive approach and knockout power made him a fearsome force in the heavyweight division. Although he eventually lost his title to Vitali Klitschko, he remains a renowned figure in boxing and an inspiration to future Nigerian fighters.
Nigerian athletes’ ascension in the UFC and professional boxing has been a source of pride and inspiration for the country and the African continent. The domination of Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya in the UFC, as well as Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight rule in boxing, have elevated Nigerian combat sports to the global arena. Their achievement not only demonstrates their exceptional abilities and dedication, but it also stands as a testament to the enormous talent that Nigeria continues to create.
These fighters’ experiences serve as an inspiration to young sportsmen in Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating that one can conquer the world of combat sports with hard effort, tenacity, and a never-say-die attitude. As these Nigerian stars continue to shine and pave the way for the next generation of fighters, their influence on the UFC and boxing worlds will be felt for years to come.
