Minister of Youth and Sports in Nigeria Sunday Dare has congratulated Israel Adesanya following his successful UFC middleweight title defence against Brazilian Paulo Costa on Saturday night, Completesports.com reports.
Adesanya knocked out bitter rival Costa in round two to retain his title.
The fight which took place in Abu Dhabi saw Adesanya pick apart his far bigger opponent before landing brutal ground strikes.
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Costa was left bloodied and bruised on the canvas, with his undefeated record coming to an end.
And reacting to Adesanya’s win, Dare wrote on his verified Twitter handle: “UFC- Isreal Adesanya wins again. Second round knockout! Middle Weight Champion of the World! Nigeria in the podium again. Shout out to Lagos!”
The Sports Minister also congratulated Nigeria’s Hakeem Dawodu who secured his fifth consecutive win after overcoming Zubaira Tukhugov.
Fighting in the featherweight category, Dawodu showcased a diverse striking arsenal, good conditioning and solid takedown defense to better Tukhugov by split decision in the kickoff fight for the pay-per-view main card on Saturday night.
After three rounds, the judges scored the fight 30-27 and 29-28 for Dawodu while the third official gave it to Tukhogov with a 29-28 score in his favor.
“UFC- I also congratulate and celebrate Hakeem Dawodu. Another Nigerian who won his fight this morning before Isreal.”
By James Agberebi
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Africa, Nigeria and Nigerians are making waves on the global stage
The likes Efe Ajagba, who fought and won despite a wrist injury, Israel Adesanya as well as Hakeem Dawodu have made Africa and Nigeria proud even after the Pandemic
Now a rousing ovation is awaiting Anthony Joshua. The Boxing World cannot wait to have you back in the ring, so also does victory awaits
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