Usman Teases DDP Super Fight In Africa

Kamaru Usman is back in the win column.

“The Nigerian Nightmare” started his UFC career with a massive undefeated run that set records and saw him capture UFC gold, but a three-fight losing streak beginning in August 2022 saw him winless until just last weekend. Despite injury and layoff, Usman was able to return in top form, grinding down Joaquin Buckley for a UFC Atlanta main event win.

After the win, Usman was immediately optimistic about his chances at scoring the next Welterweight title shot versus the winner of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev. Despite his big return, it’s worth-noting that another title opportunity is far from guaranteed when the 170-pound division also has deserving contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Sean Brady.

Either way, Usman is looking ahead. He sees a Dricus Du Plessis super fight in his future, and he sees it taking place in Africa. Per the former champion, the promotion is almost ready to book their first trip to the “Mother Continent.”

“After getting the belt, they asked and waited years for me to go up and get the middleweight belt, so why not?” Usman told TMZ. “I will relinquish that if Dricus Du Plessis is still the champion — all-African card. Africa vs. Africa, first card in Africa. UFC is close to getting that done. South Africa vs. Nigeria! it’s a rivalry that’s been built forever, sports rivalry. I think that’s another blockbuster, two mega events that you’re gonna remember forever.

“Manifestation is very powerful. If things start to fall in line, I think we’re gonna see a pretty interesting next 18 months.”

A couple more wins could make Usman’s vision a reality, but the real question is whether UFC will actually head to Africa? The promotion may be intent on global domination, but despite the Three Kings Era and an extended “DDP” title reign, UFC has yet to capitalize by actually holding an event in Africa.