We fight for everything we have as Africans – Kamaru Usman

Nigeria-born UFC welterweight champion Kamarudeen Usman has revealed a source of inspiration from his origin that pushes him to success in the UFC.

Though he grew up in the US, Kamaru was born in Nigeria and revealed struggles as a child in Edo state.

“I grew up in a village, we farmed, we had a farm, as a small boy, a farm boy, I used to hawk akpu, hot akpu on my head, down the street to sell. I came from that.” he told BBC Sports Africa.

The 17-1-0 welterweight champion said growing up as a child he never dreamed of where he is now, he only imagined it.

“You never dreamed of being there, growing up as a kid, your mind can only comprehend so much, being in that place, actually being called a title like that, it’s surreal and it means so much.” he said.

His striking coach Trevor Wittman said he’s one of the best persons he has met and he wants him to become the longest reigning champion ever:

“My goal for him is to be the longest reigning champion. His spirit, his personality and the person he is, he’s that guy, he’s one of the best people I’ve met. Those types of people are the ones that I really like to work with.”

Usman carries the Nigerian flag to his fights and doesn’t shy away from his African roots, he talks about it each time and reveals the motivation it brings.

“That’s one thing we know how to do as Africans is fight, not just physically but fight for anything that we have,” he said.

“We have to earn, it means a tremendous amount and I strive, every time there’s an African, I strive to get that closeness and create that bond to let them know that you have a community of people around you and together we can make this thing humongous in our continent.

“I bleed Africa so if there’s a fighter from Africa, automatically I’m on their team.”

The Nigerian nightmare ahead of his fight with former training partner Gilbert Burns on February 13 said he doesn’t care about the extras, he’s only always focused on his next fight.

“I don’t care about the extras, I don’t care about the fame, I’m not looking at fans, I don’t care about all of that, whoever the next guy is, put him up, that’s all that matters to me and I’ll let history write itself.” he said.

“He doesn’t put his title on the line, he puts it on the table. He doesn’t defend it but fight for it.” Wittman added.