It is my time-  declares Mixed Martial Artist Usman

Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman will face Brazilian Demian Maia in the main event of the maiden Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight night in Santiago, Chile on Saturday and the 31-year-old mixed martial artist welterweight believes the time has come to be recognised in the sport.

Usman, who was born in Benin City said: “Now is the time for me to let everyone know, ‘This lane needs to open up or I am going to kick it open!’ because I am the best at this.”

“I believe I am the best and for five years that I was learning, I didn’t come out screaming, ‘I am the best on the planet,’” he added. “I was a sponge in the gym soaking up enough knowledge as I could so that when my lane opens up, I will ready to step in there and be the best.

“Demian Maia is Demian Maia – he is a legend in the game and he has been in the game a long time. Nothing but respect for him, but it is my time to take over and showcase that it is my time now.”

A victory over Maia would give Usman eight straight victories in his UFC career and he has a total mixed martial arts record of 12 wins and 1 loss in 13 fights since joining the sport in 2012 after starting out as a wrestler.