IGP hails woman police fighter Ukah for emerging African MMA champion

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, has lauded Nigerian woman police fighter, Juliet Ukah, for emerging as the latest African EFC Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion.

Ukah continued her winning streak in the UFC by dominating South Africa’s Crystal Van Wyk in the strawweight clash as she won the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) 102 on April 14.

The Nigerian police officer left scars on Van Wyk’s face before winning the fight by unanimous decision. Ukah now has her sights set on the strawweight title that is currently held by Alice Ardelean.

Police IG, Baba, on Friday, expressed his delight over Ukah’s victory at the championship.

“The Nigeria Police Force multi-dexterous Combat Athlete PC Juliet Ukah, following a successful Professional Training Tour fought and won against South Africa’s Crystal Van Wyk who until the bout was undefeated, in Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) 102,” Police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement.

“The fight which took place on Thursday 13th April 2023, in Johannesburg – South Africa, was a 3-Round bout and Juliet Ukah showed all-around superiority to emerge the winner by Unanimous decision (30－26, 30－26, 30－27).

“Juliet Ukah also went on to defeat Clodia Vochung Shivabo (IMBGIM FC) of Cameroun on Saturday 22nd April 2023.

“The Inspector-General of Police congratulates the officer for the feat and acknowledges the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to sports development in the country.

“He commended the officer for making the Nigeria Police Force, and by extension, the nation proud. The IGP further promised to continually discover and showcase new talents in the Police.”

The police spokesman disclosed that Ukah was one of two Police Female fighters recently released by the IGP for a training in Thailand.

“PC Juliet is one of two Police Female MMA Fighters recently released by IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, for a 6-Week Professional Training Tour in Thailand,” Adejobi said.

“Recruited into the Force in 2018, the talented Woman Constable has continued to show tremendous promise, broad skills, and passion for excellence over the years, conquering the Boxing, Kickboxing, and now MMA world of Nigeria and Africa.

“With this feat, PC Juliet Ukah, who now has an unbeaten streak after 4 Professional Fights (4 wins – 0 loss – 0 draw), is the African EFC Champion and the No. 1 Contender for the World EFC Female Straw Weight Title Belt.”