Nigerian UFC star Kamaru Usman defends his welterweight championship against Colby Covington in Las Vegas this weekend, with SuperSport (SS11) broadcasting the action live from 5am Sunday morning.

Shot him a few questions ahead of the big showdown:

Q1: In your last fight against Tyron Woodley, when all was said and done, you showed a great level of respect for him which portrayed great sportsmanship.  What is your opinion of Colby Covington and what do you anticipate will be your strength over his?

A1: “I think Colby Covington is a talented fighter but once we get in there, he will see the level I’m at and the difference between him and I. Of course I am going to prevail but one thing he can’t do is change who I am as a person and the character I possess.”

Q2: Your family has been seen inside the Octagon with you, including you stating that your daughter lights your fire to become the best. What does it mean to you to be living your dream and be a role model of success for your family as well as your fan base in Africa?

A2: “It means a great deal to me, not just to showcase all the hard work that I have put in, but to show everything that I stand for.  It is extremely special for me to showcase my talent to the world and to all my African brothers and sisters that are watching all around the world.  We struggle each and every day, we never dream that we will achieve heights like this. Even though I am not directly there doing something for them, it’s something that touches their heart and can help motivate them in their daily life.”

Q3: Do you have any plans to visit Nigeria in the near future and if so, what do you enjoy doing when you do visit?

A3: “ I have big, big plans to visit Nigeria and I can’t wait to go.  I don’t just want to visit, I want to go and actually affect change to make it count. Of course I am excited to be able to be on my home soil and eat my home food again, I can’t wait.”

Q4: If UFC ever put on an event in Africa in the future, would you like to fight on the card?

A4: “Absolutely, I don’t just want to be on the card but I want to headline the card. I think it’s going to happen very soon so you can mark my words if that thing is happening, yours truly will be at the head of that.”

• The stacked card also features Max Holloway against Alexander Volkanovski and Amanda Nunes against Germainede Randamie.