Following another defeat to British Leon Edwards in the UFC 278 title fight, several fans have thrown their weight behind ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ to bounce back as soon as possible, The PUNCH reports.
Edwards clung on to his welterweight title with a second successive win over Usman on Sunday morning at the 02 Arena in London.
Having won snatched the belt from Usman with a stunning final-round head kick last August, Edwards needed the judges at UFC 286 in London, but ran out a deserved winner after five rounds. Two judges scored the fight in Edwards’ favour by two rounds (48-46), while the third scored the bout a draw (47-47).
Despite the defeat, Usman received a pat on the back from his teeming supporters as he hopes to return to winning ways soon.
“You (Usman) are a true champion inside and outside of the octagon! Your humility and sportsmanship are a testament to your character. Much respect for giving credit where it’s due and congratulating. Keep grinding and bouncing back stronger,” Kofi Oni wrote.
David Attah also added, “I’m following you today, you are my hero. Even in defeat, you showed strength, power, maturity & courage. You displayed great sportsmanship towards your opponent after the fight, that’s professionalism. You promised to get back to work, that’s the spirit of a champion.”
Some of them, however, acknowledged Edwards superiority over ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’
“Well, you showed up to fight man, that’s admirable in itself. You were a good champ at welterweight man, Leon is your dad but that doesn’t take away from everything you’ve done in your division, definitely one of the best welterweights of all time,” Cameron Overton wrote.
Usman was very respectful in his post-fight interview and pledged to face Edwards again.
“I think I did enough to win the fight but I knew it was close,” Usman told BT Sports.
“He had a great game plan. I always said from the start we’d meet again and I’m not done. We will see each other again. I always gave him props for what he accomplished. He’s a brother like myself and has great respect. London you’ve got yourself a great champion.”
When he wanted to get back in the octagon to restart a climb to the top of the division, Usman said, “Not too long. I’ll get back with my coaches. I’m one of those guys, I can’t sit for too long.
“I’ll spend some time with my daughter. You guys get to watch us but you don’t know what we have to sacrifice to be here. We put it on the line every time.”
Most recently, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ took to Twitter, where he issued a statement on the setback.
“A special thank you to my management, family, friends, and fans. I appreciate each and every one of you. Wasn’t my night but as always, we go back to work. Congratulations @Leon_edwardsmma great work.”
UFC President Dana White made it clear at the post-fight press conference that Colby Covington will be the next man to challenge Edwards for the belt.
The Brown Family @TheGamingBrowns on his Twitter handle expressed his support for Usman, noting that he is the true Idol.
“You’re such a champion bro.. both of you… but Mr.Usman you’re legit one of my idols. Love ya man.”
Redmirage2020 @redmirage2020 hailed the Nigerian for putting up a good fight and is confident of the former champion returning better.
“Was a great fight. Excellent sportsmanship. You’ll be back.”
Isa Mutlib FIEP @isamutlib said: “Huge respect for being such a long-reigning champ and giving us some special nights. Excited to see where you go next.”
Unekwuojo @iamMista_jay added: “Keep your head up, Come Back Stronger.”
