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MMA

Kamaru Usman eyes UFC Africa event in near future: 'It's just a matter of time'

Kamaru Usman eyes UFC Africa event in near future: 'It's just a matter of time'DAZN
The welterweight champion believes a mega pay-per-view starring himself, Israel Adesanya and Francis Ngannou in Africa can happen.

Kamaru Usman recognizes Madison Square Garden as "the most famous arena in the world" when speaking with DAZN News earlier in the week.

It's where he'll defend his welterweight championship against Colby Covington in a grudge match that headlines the UFC 268 pay-per-view Saturday night.

While it's an incredible platform, Usman still dreams of bringing the world to him in the form of a first-ever UFC Africa event. With Usman being the welterweight titleholder, Israel Adesanya the middleweight champion and Francis Ngannou the heavyweight champ, "The Nigerian Nightmare" thinks the time to bring MMA fans to Africa is imminent.

"It would be amazing," Usman says. "It’s just a matter of time. And the more I’ve spoken with the powers that may be, I’ve started to understand the intricate details that play a part in potentially getting that done. I’ve been told that hopefully they’re looking into it and hopefully it’s on their radar to potentially achieve here soon."

Dana White sounded all for it earlier in the year.

“I love the idea of going to Africa for a fight,” said White in a statement sent to DAZN News back in May. “Ever since the fight in Zaire as a kid, it’s been a dream of mine to bring a fight to Africa.

“There has never been a better time than now with the exception of COVID. When everything opens up again and everybody starts traveling again, I would love to go to Africa. And I would love to do Lookin’ For a Fight there.”

With African champions Usman, Adesanya and Ngannou thriving, such an event would be received well.

"It would be amazing for us to have an event, for Africa to have its three champions home," Usman continues. "To just be home on our soil and be able to put on a show and inspire the masses, I think it would be incredible. I think it makes a ton of sense."

Until then, Usman must settle for MSG. Earlier in the week, the 34-year-old was at the arena partaking in a New York Knicks game and needing to pinch himself.

"(Monday night), I was sitting courtside with Tracy Morgan, a comedian I was a fan of for years growing up, and Bill Bellamy and D-Nice and Chris Rock — a couple of seats down from Chris Rock," Usman offers. "These are all monumental moments. But I understand it and I don't try to get lost in the sauce. I understand that balance and I try not to take it in too much."

As a byproduct of that approach, Usman is growing into his championship swagger quite well. Of course, four distinct title defenses help, as Usman has flattened Covington, Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal (twice) entering Saturday night's rematch.

"It’s something that I’m starting to grow into," Usman says. "I understand what it takes to be champion, I understand what it takes to hold on to be a champion. At the end of the day, I understand the secret to it. I’m not really fazed by it, I’m not really surprised by it. I train to win so when I get in there, I expect to win."

And winning at a UFC Africa event would be next level.