Mohammed Usman has paid an emotional tribute to his two-year old son who tragically passed away in a drowning accident.
Usman was making his UFC debut on the promotion's latest Fight Night from the UFC's Apex facility in Las Vegas last night. He recorded a sensational victory second-round stoppage victory over Zac Pauga to be crowned the winner of the Ultimate Fighter.
Emotions were running high for the younger brother of current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru, who was clearly overwhelmed with the success of his debut. During an emotional post-fight reflection, Usman has revealed the hurt he has felt since his son died during a tragic incident three years ago. "This means the world to me," Usman said during a brave tribute when talking to reporters after his debut.
"You know, he is the reason that I started fighting and he is the reason that I'm here now. And don't get me wrong man, I can sit up here and tell you guys it's easy but it's not. I hurt everyday of my life, I'm hurting sitting up here right now talking about it. But I know he wants me to have a good life. He wants me to take care of my kids that I'm gonna have in the future and my current kids. I know he wants me to be a blessing to them."
Usman's son Nash was swimming in a pool in Arlington, Texas back in 2019 when he found himself getting into complications in the water. He was pulled from the pool and transferred to a local hospital for treatment in a bid to save his life. However the medical staff were unable to revive the two-year-old, and he passed away.
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Usman launched his fighting career as a tribute to his late son and dedicated his previous victory to young Nash. "I started fighting because of my son Nash," he said in a previous interview with ESPN MMA.
"We had him in 2016 and he passed away in 2019 from drowning and he's the main reason that I fight. I'm really dedicating this season [TUF 30] to my son. I know you are looking down on me from heaven. I'm going to make you proud and I'm going to show you how far we've come."
