Sports Minister Congratulates Israel Adesanya For Reclaiming UFC Title

Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has congratulated the Nigerian born Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Israel Adesanya for reclaiming his Middleweight title in spectacular fashion.

Adesanya knocked out Brazil’s Alex Pereira in the second round of their UFC 287 fight on Sunday to win back the belt he lost to the Brazilian last year.

The Sports Minister said Israel Adesanya has demonstrated the “never say die” attitude of the average Nigerian to get back what belongs to him.

“Congratulations Israel, you are truly the last stylebender. You have shown that you are a real champion. This never say die attitude has got you back your belt. Nigeria is proud of you,” Sports Minister Dare said.

The Minister also urged the new UFC Champion to continue to be a role model for the youth and an ambassador for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria, which was recently recognised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as a sports federation in the country.

• Read more: UFC 287: Adesanya Stuns Pereira, Reclaims UFC Middleweight Title
• Read more: Nigeria Approves Mixed Martial Arts As A Sports Federation

Congratulatory messages have been also pouring in for Adesanya from across Nigeria, with Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission joining the fan fare.

Congratulations @stylebender for retaining the UFC middleweight title. With what @USMAN84kg and @stylebender are bringing to UFC, it’s time @danawhiteufc consider bringing some fights to Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/aGN3Nr6ZOA

— Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet (@Ek_Gabkwet) April 9, 2023

Congratulations to Isreal Adesanya @stylebender 🇳🇬. #ProudlyNigerian pic.twitter.com/vJE7CX1VmA

— Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) April 9, 2023

Drake Wins $2.7million From Bet On Israel Adesanya Vs Alex Pereira Fight At UFC 287

Canadian rapper, Drake, won $2.7million after Israel Adesanya knocked out Alex Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight title.

Adesanya won back the Middleweight title just five months after he lost it to his rival Pereira, who has previously beaten him twice in the octagon. Drake placed a $500,000 bet on Adesanya to win which returned $885,000 and a $400,000 bet for him to win by knockout, which returned a massive $1.8million.