Dabiri-Erewa lauds Usman as true ambassador on UFC victory
Chairman, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Dabiri-Erewa lauds Usman as true ambassador on UFC victory
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman following his triumphant return to the octagon on Sunday morning in Atlanta, United States.
Reacting to Usman’s victory over American fighter Joaquin Buckley, Dabiri-Erewa described the Nigerian’s performance as a proud moment for the country, hailing him as a true ambassador of the nation on the global stage.
“Congratulations to the Nigerian Nightmare, Kamaru Usman, as he beats Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. Proudly Nigerian. Hearty congratulations,” she posted as a caption on her official X handle, alongside a collage featuring images from the bout and a photo of both of them together holding the welterweight belt in 2021.
Usman, 37, snapped a nearly four-year winless streak with a dominant, unanimous decision win over Buckley in the welterweight division, reminding fans and critics alike of his elite status in mixed martial arts.
The judges scored the contest 49–46, 49–46, and 48–47 in favour of the Nigerian-American, who exhibited his trademark wrestling and tactical awareness throughout the five-round battle.
Usman out-landed Buckley 16–0 in major strikes during the opening rounds and dictated the pace with consistent takedowns and superior cage control.
“It feels good. It’s been a while,” Usman said after the fight during his post-bout interview.
“I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level.”
Usman, who now holds a professional MMA record of 21 wins and four losses, also took a moment to silence his critics who have often questioned his durability following a series of injuries.
“I know it’s a running joke. Everybody wants to get on the internet and talk sh*t, ‘Oh his knees, his knees.’ Well, shut the f*** up,” he said defiantly.
“I can still do what I do.”
Throughout the bout, the former champion demonstrated his fight IQ against the younger, more aggressive Buckley, using his experience to wear down his opponent. Despite Buckley’s late effort in the fifth round, Usman’s earlier dominance ensured a clear victory to end his six-fight unbeaten run.
The fight marked Usman’s first win since November 2021 and could signal the beginning of a second title run.
The veteran made clear his desire to challenge for UFC gold once more, warning contenders that he remains a force to be reckoned with.
“Well, I could do that to anybody, any one of them,” he declared.
“Those knockouts will come. The next one, whoever it is for that title, I’mma see about you.”
Usman, visibly emotional after the fight, expressed gratitude to his team, fans, and family, particularly acknowledging the absence of his daughter due to personal reasons.
“It’s been a long time. A lot of emotions, a lot of things that I had to battle back from. I’m holding back all the emotions,” he said.
