Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 poll Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Nigeria-born New Zealander Israel Adesanya on his victory at the UFC 287 in Miami, Florida, USA on Saturday.
Adesanya won back the title just five months after he lost it to Brazilian Alex Pereira, who has previously beaten him twice in kickboxing.
His victory coincided with the Easter season for Christians and the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.
“What a sweet gift for the season by Israel Adesanya. Congratulations, we are proud of you for retaining the UFC middleweight title,” Atiku, a Muslim and former Vice President, tweeted on Sunday.
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 poll Peter Obi and President-elect Bola Tinubu have also congratulated Adesanya.
Adesanya had suffered three previous defeats against Pereira.
The 33-year-old lost twice in kickboxing in 2016 and 2017, and at UFC 281 in November.
That most recent defeat saw 35-year-old Pereira earn a stunning fifth-round knockout to win the title.
Speaking after reclaiming the title, Adesanya said “I hope every one of you can feel this level of happiness for one time in your life.
“But guess what – you’ll never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something in your life. When they knock you down, if you stay down, you will never get that resolve.”
