Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare; Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and other Nigerians have congratulated Nigerian-born UFC middleweight champion, Isreal Adesanya, after retaining his title with a second-round knockout of Paulo Costa in Abu Dhabi.
Adesanya made light work of his opponent, dominating the fight from start to finish as he wrapped up business with a knockout of Costa in the second round via punches.
Adesanya was barely touched in the fight and left Costa needing medical attention after the defeat.
Reacting to the victory, Dare, Dabiri-Erewa and other Nigerians on social media celebrated the Lagos-born UFC Star.
“Isreal Adesanya wins again. Second round knockout! Middleweight Champion of the World! Nigeria in the podium again. Shout out to Lagos!“ Sunday Dare tweeted.
Dare also congratulated Canadian-born Nigerian fighter Hakeem Dawodu who had earlier defeated Russian Zubaira Tukhugov via split decision to stay unbeaten in nine professional MMA fights in the featherweight division.
“I also congratulate and celebrate Hakeem Dawodu. Another Nigerian who won his fight this morning before Isreal,” Dare added.
Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa also hailed Adesanya’s feat.
“Congrats @stylebender . You made it all look so so easy,” Dabiri-Erewa wrote on Twitter.
Other Nigerians also hailed the middleweight champion for the easy fight despite pundits predicting a tough encounter.
“Izzy Adesanya knocked Costa out in round 2 of the #ufc253. The last style bender is one of the smartest fighters I have ever watched. A win for Nigeria. A win for Africa,” OB Amponsah tweeted.
“That left hook right behind Costa’s ear did the damage. Israel Adesanya is no fluke. No one saw this game ending in round 2 , Naija great,” @cktwist23 tweeted.
“Israel Adesanya gave a shout out to Nigerians after an “Izzy” victory. He never forgets his roots. Congratulations,” Elvis Tunde reacted to Adesanya’s win on Twitter.
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