The Champion, Israel Adesanya
By Goodluck Ikiebe
Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, has congratulated the Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) champion, Israel Adesanya, for reclaiming his title.
Nigerian born Adesanya knocked out Alex Pereira of Brazil in the second round of their fight on Sunday to win back the belt he lost to the Brazilian last year.
The Sports Minister said Israel Adesanya had demonstrated the ‘never say die’ attitude of the average Nigerian to get back what belongs to him.
In his words, “Congratulations Israel, you are truly the last stylebender. You have shown that you are a real champion. This ‘never say die’ attitude has got you back your belt. Nigeria is proud of you.”
Dare also urged the new UFC Champion to continue to be a role model for the youth and an ambassador for the Sports of Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria which was recently recognised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as a sports federation in the country.
