Kamaru ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman, Nigeria’s Welterweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), says he is not considering retiring anytime soon despite his second loss to Leon Edwards.

Edwards defeated Usman for the second time in a row at UFC 286 on Saturday night in London, England, winning their trilogy series 2-1.

He also ensured the 35-year-old Usman was dethroned as the Welterweight champion, with little chance of getting another shot at the title.

But, Usman, during a post-fight interview in the cage posted on the UFC website, made it clear that he was not planning on retiring anytime soon.

“I think I did enough to win the fight, but I knew it was a close fight. Great game plan, great game plan. You know, I’ve always said it from the start: I knew I’d see Leon again, and we did it,” the UFC fighter stated. “I’m not done. I’ll see him again, but he put on a hell of a game plan.

He added, “I’ve always given him props for everything he’s been able to accomplish. He’s a brother, like myself. Much respect. London, you’ve got yourself a hell of a guy, a great champion. I’m going to get back with my coaches because I’m one of those guys. I can’t sit for too long. I start getting antsy. I’m going to talk to my coaches. I’ll get back, sit back, relax and spend some time with my daughter.”

He noted that fighters go through a lot while preparing for their fight just to thrill their fans.

“You get to come here and get entertained by us, but a lot of you guys don’t know what we go through in training camp just to prepare for this, just to get in there and give you guys a show,” said Usman. “So guys, much respect to the fighters. We put it on the line for you guys each and every time.”

In a follow-up statement on Twitter, Usman vowed to “go back to work.”

(NAN)