The UFC is truly an international organization. Fighters from all corners of the globe are on the roster. Every continent is represented, and now Africa is on full display. Of the eight current male champions, three were born in Africa. That’s right, not of African descent, but actually born in Africa. Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, Middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya, and welterweight legend Kamaru Usman. Three Kings: UFC’s African Takeover has begun.
Representation is important. This is on display because they have fighters from all over the world, and each country has a rabid fan base. What these three kings are doing is ultra impressive because of their home continent. For as long as I can remember, Africa has always been portrayed as this dark, uncivilized, uncouth place. Television, history books, and other platforms have perpetuated this stereotype for years. This isn’t true. Africa is a thriving, breathtaking continent – not a country. Now it’s a hotbed of MMA champions. The three kings are making the motherland the birthplace of champions!
The Predator
Cameroonian-born Francis Ngannou is the current UFC heavyweight champion. The Batie native started out as a boxer. At 26, he decided to move to Paris to pursue a professional boxing career. His journey started rough, due to being jailed in Spain for crossing the border illegally. Once in Paris, he was homeless. In France, he was introduced to MMA, and it changed his life. He adapted to the sport instantly. He debuted in 2013 and was in the UFC by 2015. Nguannou set the organization on fire. He was knocking out a who’s who of the division. Ngannou worked his way to a title shot at UFC 220 against Stipe Miocic but fell short. The Predator would redeem himself at UFC 260, against Miocic to become the new champion. Now, this king is literally ruling the division with two iron fists! Just ask Stipe.
The Nigerian Nightmare
On May 11, 1987, this is when the nightmare began. Kamaru Usman was born in Auchi, Nigeria. His father was a member of the Nigerian Army and his mother was a teacher. Usman’s father later became a pharmacist and moved his family to the United States. He began wrestling at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. Usman later became an NCAA Division II Champion. Usman made his promotional debut in 2015. In 2019, while riding a nine-fight win streak, he faced then-champ Tyron Woodley. Kamaru dominated him en route to becoming the new champion. In 2021, Usman made history by laying claim to the longest winning streak in the division’s history with 13, surpassing Georges St-Pierre. He looks to extend that record this Saturday at UFC 261. That makes this king a legend!
The Last Style Bender
Lagos, Nigeria-born Israel Adesanya is one of the most exciting, flamboyant starts we have ever seen. This former kickboxer and dancer has taken the sport by storm. Born to an accountant and nurse, the Adesanya family put a premium on education. The pursuit of better education sparked them to relocate to New Zealand. The ultra-intelligent Adesanya also has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design. That means he can kick your head in and edit the video of himself doing it. Adesanya made his professional debut in 2012 and transitioned to the UFC in 2018. Israel would capture the middleweight crown a year later. The self-proclaimed “Broken Native” has emptied the division, beating all challengers. His unique style and swagger have set him apart, and made him must-see TV! This king is a true trendsetter.
The Takeover
The invasion has begun! These three kings look to rule their division for a long time. They have made their families, respective countries, and each other proud. With other African fighters on the rise, these three kings have laid the blueprint. UK rapper Cbiz penned a song titled “The Game’s Mine.” Well, these fighters must have that track on repeat. Everyone should be on notice. The three kings are crowned, and the African invasion is upon us. Three Kings: UFC’s African Takeover is here.
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