Kamaru Usman Explains Why the “Perfect Event” in Africa Can’t Take Place & the Reason Involves Israel Adesanya

Being a double champion is one of the most coveted feats in UFC, and to do it in front of your own people can be the biggest dream for many fighters. The prospect of the same was put forward to the UFC undisputed welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

While discussing a UFC event in Africa, journalist Brett Okamoto made a suggestion to ‘The Nigerian Nightmare‘. In his view, the perfect event in Africa can give the fans two African double champs on the same night.

Okamoto wanted both Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya to move up a weight class in order to make it possible. However, despite initially nodding and smiling, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ was quick to point out the impediment in making it come true.

Also Read: 5 things we don’t know about Israel Adesanya

“Yeah, but the problem is we can’t do that simultaneously. Because in order for him to go up, he has to relinquish that belt… I understand that, but he has to give up that belt first, then challenge at 205.”

“Because who am I gonna fight at 185 that has the belt…that we could do, but once he vacates, he’s no longer a champ-champ. That’s what makes it kind of tough,” said Usman.

Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, and Francis Ngannou’s success has increased calls for a UFC event in Africa

Thanks to the three African-born UFC champions Francis Ngannou (heavyweight), Kamaru Usman (welterweight), and Israel Adesanya (middleweight), calls for a UFC Africa event have risen.

UFC President Dana White has already said there are plans to host a UFC event in Africa. As of now, White hasn’t revealed the date and venue regarding the same.

In an interview given to Endless Hustle’s Arthur Kade, Dana White also revealed that he was planning to open a Performance Institute (PI) in Africa.

UFC has previously opened a PI in Shanghai, China, and held an event in the country in the past. Hence, this might be a big boost to the possibility of a future event in Africa.

Watch This Story- Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, and other MMA fighters with the longest active win-streak in UFC

Should Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya move up a division and aim to become double champions?