Sports

Adesanya: From Being Bullied To UFC Champion

Published

6 years ago

March 5, 2021

Tomorrow, in Las Vegas Nigeria-born MMA fighter, Israel Adesanya, attempts to be just the fourth person to be a two-weight UFC world champion.
The middleweight champion is stepping up to try and take the UFC’s light heavyweight crown from Polish fighter, Jan Blachowicz.
Adesanya, who is known as The Last Stylebender, faces a tough task against the experienced and heavier Pole, but he is no stranger to tackling monsters.
Throughout his life he has had to confront and overcome physical and psychological hurdles on his path to success.
His first challenges came as a 10-year-old when his parents and four younger siblings moved to New Zealand in 1999.
They settled on the North Island in the city of Rotorua and Adesenya says at first he had no interest in sport and was more into Japanese anime comic books.
He was subjected to racist bullying during his high school years at Rotorua Boys’ High School, which has produced several other successful sports stars, including former England rugby union captain Dylan Hartely and several New Zealand All Black.
In an interview, Adesanya had said: “I didn’t realise I was black until I moved here.”
“I remember a kid from school kept on riding past my house and going: ‘Go back to your country, blackinese’.”
His academic prowess and love of dancing made him a further target for abuse, but he now says the physical and emotional scars from those incidents were behind his life-defining decision to pursue a career in martial arts.
He also credits his dancing abilities for helping him develop the fluid fighting style he possesses today.
The turning point came after watching the hit martial arts movie Ong Bak. It had such an effect on him that he decided to quit his computer science degree program at the age of 18 to pursue a career in kickboxing. He proceeded to rack up a superb 32-0 amateur record.
After his kickboxing success he decided to move to the New Zealand capital Auckland at the age of 21 and turn his attention to learning Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
He decided he wanted to work with trainer Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing gym but it was not an easy start for the pair.
Adesanya had lined up an amateur MMA fight against Neroni Savaiinaea just weeks after making the switch and had received very little training, most of which had been watching YouTube videos.
Despite the lack of preparation Adesanya was supremely confident he would win the fight. He only met Bareman the day before the fight and the trainer had no idea who he was but agreed to be in the Nigerian’s corner for the fight.
Unsurprisingly, Adesanya lost the bout after being well beaten by his opponent, spending two-thirds of the fight on his back.
“He got absolutely pasted, beaten, in every round, he showed some talent, but it was such a one-sided fight,” remembered Bareman.
When both men met again, Bareman simply was not interested in training the overconfident upstart.
“The lad just wanders into the gym telling me: ‘I chucked all my stuff in the car, left everything I had, I want to train at your gym’,” he recalled.
Instead he said that Israel should go and train elsewhere and even wrote down a few gyms for him to try.
“It was a bit of a test,” Bareman admitted.
“If a fighter goes away and has the ability to recognise that you’re doing something that will work for him, then that’s someone that deserves our attention (at City Kickboxing).
“I admit there was hesitation on my part because he seemed like a guy who was a little bit cocky and not that good.”
Adesanya did indeed leave after that comment but was soon back, insisting that City Kickboxing was where he had to be and actually it did not take too long for Bareman to reassess his opinion of the fighter.
“That [light-bulb] moment came when he had his first kickboxing fight for the gym,” Bareman admitted.
“He fought a guy that was much more experienced than him and he took the guy apart and while he was doing that he was entertaining the crowd. That’s when I thought man this kid is really talented.”
Both men went on to forge a formidable bond travelling round the world, competing in far-flung arenas across four continents while amassing a stunning record of 75 wins and 5 losses, with 48 of those wins coming by knockout.
Adesanya also found time to take up professional boxing, winning the New Zealand Super8 Boxing tournament in 2014 and again in 2015 and his record stands at 5 wins and one controversial loss on points.
In December 2017, he decided to sign with MMA’s highest profile and most lucrative company, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UF).
His debut was two months later. On his debut he knocked out Australia’s Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221 in the Australian city of Perth in a superb performance.
“Middleweights! I’m the new dog in the yard,” he boldly announced after the fight.
What most people did not see afterwards was a weeping warrior on his walk back to the dressing room alongside Bareman, overcome with emotion after finally making it to the big stage.
He subsequently backed up those brash words against tough competitors in the division defeating American Derek Brunson and the legendary Brazilian Anderson Silva.
He then outpointed American Kevin Gastelum to win the interim belt before knocking out New Zealand-born Australian Robert Whittaker in front of a record 57,125 fans at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne to become the undisputed middleweight champion.
Two successful title defences against fearsome monsters, Cuban Yoel Romero and Brazilian Paulo Costa, have solidified his position at the top along with a perfect records of 20 wins and no losses with 15 knockouts.
His performances have also seen him win the $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus five times and Fight of the Night bonus two times.
Those performances and his personality have also seen him sign plenty of endorsements around the world including back in his native Nigeria and was on the cover of the EA Sports UFC 4 video game.
A win tomorrow will surely see him attract even more sponsors, even if it might scare away opponents.

Sports

FUBARA Opens 2026 PH AMATEUR OPEN GOLF Championship

Published

5 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday declared open the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship during which he renewed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of Rivers people.

Governor Fubara, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sunny Ewule, at the ceremonial Tee -off to kickstart the tournament, said the event holding in Port Harcourt, is a clear indication that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business.

“This championship bringing over two hundred and fifty golfers from across Nigeria to Port Harcourt is a testament to the fact that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business. You have demonstrated that sports is a powerful tool for social cohesion and for projecting the positive nature of our State,” he said.

The Rivers State Government, the Governor stated, identifies with the championship and will continue to support initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of the people.

Governor Fubara described golf as more than a sport, emphasising that it teaches patience, discipline, focus and integrity. According to him, these values were in line with his administration’s commitment to peace, unity and healthy living for all the people of Rivers State.

He commended the Local Organizing Committee for their hard work in putting the event together. He also commended the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for sustaining the historic Club since 1928, while wishing all golfers participating in the championship an injury-free and worthy tournament.

The President of the Port Harcourt Club, Barr. Victor Omubo Frank-Briggs, expressed appreciation to the Governor honouring their invitation, noting that with the government’s presence the golfers have been energised and inspired to do their best in the championship

MFM, First Bank eye AWBL finals in Liberia (5)

Nigerian clubs MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club will battle for places in the African Women’s Basketball League finals when they compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9.

The six-team competition will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville, with the top two teams earning qualification for the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11 to 19.

MFM and First Bank will be seeking to carry their domestic form into the qualifiers after meeting in the final of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, where MFM claimed a narrow 66-64 victory.

The result underlined the close rivalry between the Nigerian sides, who will now look to establish themselves against opponents from across the region and secure their places in Cairo.

Defending FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions Friends of Basketball Association of Côte d’Ivoire will also compete, alongside Benin Republic’s Energie Basketball Club of Cotonou.

Hosts Liberia will be represented by Flames Basketball Club, the domestic league runners-up, and reigning national champions D’Rockers Basketball Club.

The Nigerian clubs secured their places in the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association extended the registration deadline and adjusted the competition schedule following the late conclusion of their domestic league campaign. The intervention was facilitated by FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (retd.).

Preparations for the tournament are also gathering momentum, with Flames president and Liberia Basketball Association Secretary-General Calvin Diggs saying the organisers are working to deliver a successful competition.

FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary Joe Apu also expressed confidence in Liberia’s readiness, citing the experience of the country’s basketball community in hosting international events.

With six teams competing for just two qualification places, MFM and First Bank will face a demanding test as they seek to progress to the continental finals in Egypt.

Sports

Chukwueze Faces Injury Lay-Off

Published

5 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines with a hip injury, ruling him out of AC Milan’s upcoming fixtures, including the derby against Inter Milan.

According to Italian sources, the 27-year-old has consulted a specialist over a problem with his left hip and commenced treatment with injections.

Chukwueze will undergo another assessment in 10 to 15 days, but he is not expected to return before the end of the year, dealing a blow to Nigeria and Milan’s options on the right flank.

The Nigerian reportedly experienced discomfort in his hip after Milan’s Serie A fixture against Atalanta and missed training ahead of last Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Bournemouth, which the Italian side lost 3-0.

Chukwueze has made eight appearances across all competitions this season, providing two assists since returning to Milan following a loan spell at Premier League club Fulham.

His absence adds to Milan’s injury concerns, with defender Matteo Gabbia and winger Alexis Saelemaekers also sidelined by long-term injuries.

The Rossoneri are reportedly considering recalling Zachary Athekame from his loan spell at Lyon to provide additional cover during Chukwueze’s recovery.

Milan, who remain unbeaten in Serie A this season, face Udinese on Sunday before taking on Inter in the derby on October 31.

There is better news for the Italian side regarding striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has returned to full training after missing the Bournemouth defeat with fatigue in his left calf.

A scan revealed no muscle damage, making the Portuguese forward available for Sunday’s trip to Udinese.

Sports

Nigerian Trio Target Titles At PFL Africa Finals

Published

5 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Three Nigerians, David Samuel, Patrick Ocheme and Raphael Uchegbu, will fight for titles at the PFL Africa finals after the Professional Fighters League confirmed PFL Rwanda for December 12 at the BK Arena in Kigali.

The promotion announced on October 23 that the event will crown three African champions in the welterweight (170 lbs), lightweight (155 lbs) and bantamweight (135 lbs) divisions.

In the main event, the undefeated Samuel, who has a record of 7-0, will meet Angola’s Shido “Machine” Boris Esperança, who is 13-2, in the welterweight final.

Esperança reached the final with a first-round finish in his semi-final, while Samuel went the distance to keep his perfect record.

“My Nigerian roots opened the door for me to compete in PFL Africa, and reaching the final is a special source of pride for me,” Samuel said. “On December 12, I will step into the cage not just as a finalist, but as a man determined to finish what he started and become a champion.”

Esperança said, “I believe that I can be that champion that the promotion deserves because I have been crafting myself for that.”

Ocheme, whose record stands at 10-1, headlines the co-main event against Senegal’s Demba “Black Tiger” Seck, who is 11-3, in the lightweight final. Ocheme booked his place with a devastating first-round body kick in his semi-final.

“This means a lot to me because finishing fights is what I do best; I am a knockout artist by nature,” Ocheme said. “I trust my preparation, my fight IQ and my ability to get the job done, God willing, in the first or second round.”

Seck responded, “Patrick is a tough opponent, and I always knew our paths could cross in the final. I respect his skills, but I truly believe I am the most complete, technical, strongest, and the most experienced fighter in this division.”

In the bantamweight final, Uchegbu, a former FCC champion with a record of 11-2, faces Liberia’s Dwight Joseph, who is 17-3 and won his semi-final by split decision.

“Winning in the final will change my life, and I look forward to bringing the belt back to the motherland and showing the next generation of African fighters what is possible,” Uchegbu said.

Joseph said, “Coming up short last year motivated me to push even harder this time around. I am getting my hand raised, leaving with that belt, and taking it back to Liberia.”

PFL Rwanda will be shown across Africa on SuperSport for English-speaking viewers and Canal+ for French-speaking audiences. It will also be available on free-to-air television via SportyTV.

PFL Africa General Manager, Elias Schulze, said, “Kigali will take centre stage as we crown Africa’s next champions in front of a global audience. Together with our Rwandan partners, we are giving African talent a world stage, and the next generation something to fight for.”