Following Nigerian Nightmare’s shocking defeat to British Leon Edwards in the UFC 278 title fight on Sunday morning, a host of fans have backed Usman will return stronger and better.
Edwards sensationally knocked out Kamaru Usman to win the welterweight title at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Behind on points in the fifth, Edwards, 30, landed a left high-kick to stun Nigeria’s pound-for-pound number one fighter.
Edwards became the first British champion since Michael Bisping in 2016 and only the second in history.
“You all doubted me, saying I couldn’t do it – look at me now,” said Edwards.
“I’m from the trenches. I’m built like this. I’ve been doubted my whole life but look at me now.”
While reacting to the loss, Usman vows to return and reclaim his titles.
“I will bounce back and come out with vengeance,” Usman said in a tweet after the fight.
Immediately after his tweet, over 10,000 fans swarm the social media with many Nigerians showing their support for Usman as they expressed optimistic about Usman returning to reclaim his lost belt.
A Twitter user CallMe Khalipha wrote, “Kamaru Usman left a message for y’all. He’s definitely getting through this phase.”
Kelechi AFC added, “Heads up Kamari Usman, you’ll be back stronger.”
“No champion reigns forever! When it is time to lose, be gracious! and start all over again,” ennocence555 said.
Also showing her support for the Nigerian nigthmare, Ngozi Umeh wrote, “Kamaru you remain our champ.”
Retsonbiz tweeted, “Both Anthony Joshua and Kamaru Usman but, Nigeria was well represented. There are no champions without rough patches. They will be back Stronger. #NIGERIAFIRST & #NIGERIAALWAYS!!”
Despite the defeats to Usman and Joshua, Factos expressed delight in their performances.
He wrote, “Not a good night for Nigerians but you are still our champs regardless. Thanks for making us proud and putting Nigeria on the map of combat sports. They are not ready for the rematch.”
OloriSports added, “Two Nigerians in one night! Boys be stronger and better. You’ve done well and I’m still proud of you.”
In beating Usman, Birmingham’s Edwards avenges his defeat in 2015 and ends the 35-year-old’s 15-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC.
Jamaican-born Edwards, who was a big underdog with bookmakers going into the bout, extends his winning streak to 10 since the defeat by Usman seven years ago.
Usman won the first fight by using his wrestling to control the majority of the contest – a tactic Edwards says opened his eyes to weaknesses in his own grappling game.
Following that bout, Edwards worked hard on his wrestling and the improvements made were evident from the start of the rematch.
