'Nigerian Nightmare' Usman says no plans to quit fighting

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman

By Emmanuel Afonne

Kamaru Usman, Nigeria’s Welterweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), said he was not thinking of retiring anytime soon in spite of his second loss to Leon Edwards.

Edwards won their trilogy series 2-1 by defeating Usman, also known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” for the second time in a row at UFC 286 on Saturday night in London, England.

He also ensured that Usman, 35, was dethroned as Welterweight champion and had little chance of regaining the title.

However, Usman stated during a post-fight interview in the cage that was posted on the UFC website that he had no plans to retire anytime soon.

“I think I did enough to win the fight, but I knew it was a close fight. Great gameplay, a great gameplan.

“You know, I’ve always said it from the start: I knew I’d see Leon again, and we did it. I’m not done. I’ll see him again, but he put on a hell of a game plan.

“I’ve always given him props for everything he’s been able to accomplish. He’s a brother, like myself. Much respect. London, you’ve got yourself a hell of a guy, a great champion.

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“I’m going to get back with my coaches because I’m one of those guys, I can’t sit for too long, I start getting antsy. I’m going to talk to my coaches. I’ll get back, sit back, relax and spend some time with my daughter,” Usman said.

He noted that fighters go through a lot while preparing for their fight just to thrill their fans.

“You get to come here and get entertained by us, but a lot of you guys don’t know what we go through in training camp just to prepare for this, just to get in there and give you guys a show.

“So guys, much respect to the fighters. We put it on the line for you guys each and every time.”

In a follow-up statement on Twitter, Usman vowed to “go back to work.”

“A special thank you to my management, family, friends, and fans. I appreciate each and every one of you. Wasn’t my night but as always, we go back to work. Congratulations Leon Edwards great work.”

There are reports before the fight that Usman was suffering from well-known knee issues along with lingering hand injuries.

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