Kamaru Usman, UFC champion, becomes Nigeria’s tourism ambassador

Kamaru Usman has been appointed an ambassador by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

The appointment was announced on Friday via NTDC’s official Facebook page. 

“Kamaru Usman, UFC welterweight champion aka the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, visits the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC),” the post read.

“The champion has been appointed as the Nigerian tourism ambassador.

“The possibility of hosting the Ultimate Fighting Championship in Nigeria will contribute significantly to our economic development and increase tourist traffic to the country.”

On Thursday, the Edo-born mixed martial artist returned to Nigeria for the first time since leaving the country 26 years ago.

Upon arrival, the 33-year-old paid a visit to Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo. 

He also met with Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state; Sunday Dare, minister for sports and youth development; Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chief executive officer of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission.

Kamaru, who had announced his homecoming in February after knocking out Gilbert Burns, is billed to land in Lagos on Saturday before proceeding to Edo state to launch a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project. 

The UFC welterweight champion is on a 14-match winning streak — making him the fighter with the most consecutive victories in the history of the 67kg division.