Kamaru Usman

Kamarudeen Usman (born May 11, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Welterweight Champion. Usman is also The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament winner. As of July 14, 2020, he is #5 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings [6]

Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman in 2019
BornKamarudeen Usman
(1987-05-11) May 11, 1987
Auchi, Nigeria
Other namesThe Nigerian Nightmare
NationalityNigerian and American
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Reach76 in (193 cm)[1]
StyleWrestling
Fighting out ofFort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
TeamSanford MMA[2]
TrainerJorge Santiago (grappling)[3]
Trevor Wittman (striking)[3]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jorge Santiago[4]
WrestlingNCAA Division II Wrestling[5]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total18
Wins17
By knockout7
By submission1
By decision9
Losses1
By submission1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Nebraska–Kearney Lopers
NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
2008 Cedar Rapids174 lb
2009 Houston174 lb
2010 Omaha174 lb

Background

Usman was born in Auchi, Nigeria.[7] His father was in the Nigerian Army and his mother was a teacher.[8][9] He has two brothers, Kashetu and Mohammed, of whom the former is a Doctor of Pharmacy and the latter is a mixed martial artist.[9][10] Usman and his family moved from Benin City and immigrated to the United States when he was 8 years old.[11] He started wrestling in his sophomore year in high school, at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. Because Usman's wrestling coach at the time had trouble pronouncing his first name Kamarudeen, he got the nickname "Marty" when he joined the team and it stuck with him during his amateur wrestling career.[12][13] After compiling a 53-3 record in high school and placing third at the Texas state championships, Usman wrestled alongside Jon Jones at the senior national tournament before leaving for college.[14]

In college, Usman wrestled in Iowa at William Penn University for one year, where he was an NAIA national tournament qualifier in 2007, but was unable to attend the tournament due to a snowstorm; half of his team and his head coach, however, had left early for the tournament without him, which frustrated Usman and influenced him to leave William Penn.[15] He later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), which had previously tried to recruit him under advisement of then-UNK wrestler Tervel Dlagnev, and subsequently helped the Lopers win their first-ever team title in 2008.[15] Usman earned NCAA Division II All-American honors all three years he attended UNK, and was a two-time national finalist.[16] He became the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 lbs in 2010, finishing his season with a 44-1 record.[17] Additionally, Usman was a University World Team member in freestyle wrestling in 2010.[18] Former National Football League (NFL) star Christian Okoye, who has the nickname "The Nigerian Nightmare" trademarked, gave his blessing for Usman to use it.[19]

Mixed martial arts career

Professional MMA career

Usman made his professional MMA debut in November 2012. He compiled a record of 5-1, competing for several regional promotions before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter in early 2015. [20][21]

The Ultimate Fighter

In February 2015, it was announced that Usman was one of the fighters selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter 21.[21]

In his first fight on the show, Usman faced Michael Graves. He won the fight via majority decision.[22]

In the semifinals, Usman faced off against former WSOF Welterweight Champion Steve Carl. He won the fight via unanimous decision and advanced to the finals.[23]

In the finals, Usman faced Hayder Hassan on July 12, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale.[24] He won the bout via submission in the second round, thus winning a six-figure contract with the UFC.[25] He was also awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[26]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

2015

Usman faced Leon Edwards on December 19, 2015, at UFC on Fox 17.[27] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[28]

2016

Usman was expected to face Sérgio Moraes on May 14, 2016, at UFC 198.[29] However, Usman was replaced on the card for undisclosed reasons by promotional newcomer Luan Chagas.[30]

Usman next faced Alexander Yakovlev on July 23, 2016, at UFC on Fox 20.[31] He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.[32]

Usman faced Warlley Alves on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 100.[33] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[34]

2017

Usman faced Sean Strickland on April 8, 2017, at UFC 210.[35] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[36]

A rescheduled bout with Sérgio Moraes eventually took place on September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116.[37] Usman won the fight via knockout in the first round.[38]

Usman was scheduled to face Emil Weber Meek on December 30, 2017, at UFC 219, but the fight was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 124.[39][40] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

2018

Usman was expected to face Santiago Ponzinibbio on May 19, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 129.[41] However, on April 21, Ponzinibbio was pulled from the card due to injury[42] and replaced by Demian Maia.[43] Usman won the fight via unanimous decision.[44]

Usman faced Rafael dos Anjos on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale.[45] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[46] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[47]

UFC Welterweight Champion

2019

Riding a nine-fight winning streak in the UFC, Usman next faced UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley on March 2, 2019, in the co-main event at UFC 235.[48] He won the fight via unanimous decision to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion.[49]

Usman made his first title defense and faced Colby Covington at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019.[50] He was victorious via fifth round technical knockout.[51] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[52]

2020

Usman was scheduled to defend his title for the second time against Gilbert Burns on July 12, 2020 at UFC 251.[53] Both being originally from the same camp – Sanford MMA – Usman opted to train under Trevor Wittman heading into the fight.[3] On July 3, 2020, it was revealed that Burns tested positive for COVID-19, and he was subsequently removed from the card.[54] On July 5, 2020, it was reported that Jorge Masvidal had stepped in on short notice and served as a replacement for Burns.[55] Usman won the fight via unanimous decision.[56] The card reportedly generated 1.3 million pay-per-view buys in the United States, the most since UFC 229 in October 2018.[57]

Personal life

Kamaru and his wife have a daughter, Samirah (born 2014).[58]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
18 matches 17 wins 1 loss
By knockout 7 0
By submission 1 1
By decision 9 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 17–1 Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) UFC 251 July 12, 2020 5 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 16–1 Colby Covington TKO (punches) UFC 245 December 14, 2019 5 4:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 15–1 Tyron Woodley Decision (unanimous) UFC 235 March 2, 2019 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 14–1 Rafael dos Anjos Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale November 30, 2018 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 13–1 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman May 19, 2018 5 5:00 Santiago, Chile
Win 12–1 Emil Weber Meek Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi January 14, 2018 3 5:00 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win 11–1 Sérgio Moraes KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch September 16, 2017 1 2:48 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 10–1 Sean Strickland Decision (unanimous) UFC 210 April 8, 2017 3 5:00 Buffalo, New York, United States
Win 9–1 Warlley Alves Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 November 19, 2016 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 8–1 Alexander Yakovlev Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko July 23, 2016 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 7–1 Leon Edwards Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cerrone 2 December 19, 2015 3 5:00 Orlando, Florida, United States
Win 6–1 Hayder Hassan Submission (arm-triangle choke) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 2015 2 1:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won The Ultimate Fighter 21 Welterweight Tournament. Performance of the Night.
Win 5–1 Marcus Hicks TKO (punches) Legacy FC 33 July 18, 2014 2 5:00 Allen, Texas, United States
Win 4–1 Lenny Lovoto TKO (punches) Legacy FC 30 April 4, 2014 3 1:04 New Mexico, United States
Win 3–1 Steven Rodriguez TKO (punches) Legacy FC 27 January 31, 2014 1 1:31 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 2–1 Rashid Abdullah TKO (punches) VFC 41 December 14, 2013 1 3:49 Ralston, Nebraska, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout.
Loss 1–1 Jose Caceres Submission (rear-naked choke) CFA 11 May 24, 2013 1 3:47 Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Win 1–0 David Glover TKO (punches) RFA 5 November 30, 2012 2 4:50 Kearney, Nebraska, United States Welterweight debut.
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 2–0 Steve Carl Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians June 17, 2015 (airdate) 2 5:00 Coconut Creek, Florida, United States The Ultimate Fighter 21 semifinals round.
Win 1–0 Michael Graves Decision (majority) April 22, 2015 (airdate) 2 5:00 The Ultimate Fighter 21 quarterfinals round.

[61]

NCAA record
NCAA Division II Championships Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event
2010 NCAA (DII) Championships at 174 lbs
Win 11–2 Luke Rynish 5–4 March 13, 2010 2010 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win 10–2 Christopher Barrick 6–5
Win 9–2 Aaron Denson 2–0
Win 8–2 Ben Becker 9–2
2009 NCAA (DII) Championships at 174 lbs
Loss 7–2 Brett Hunter 2–3 March 14, 2009 2009 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win 7–1 Ross Taplin 2–0
Win 6–1 Jarret Hall 4–2
Win 5–1 Luke Rynish 8–5
2008 NCAA (DII) Championships at 174 lbs
Win 4–1 Josh Shields 3–2 March 15, 2008 2008 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win 3–1 Chris Gibbs 4–1
Loss 2–1 Albert Miles 2–6
Win 2–0 Tyler Tubbs SV–1 7–5
Win 1–0 Chris Gibbs MD 10–0

Pay-per-view bouts
Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
UFC 251 Usman vs. Masvidal 12 July 2020 Flash Forum Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 1,300,000[57]

See also

References
  1. "Usman - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  2. Ollie Carlson (December 13, 2019). "Hard Knocks 365 rebrands to Sanford MMA with sponsorship from Sanford Health". thebodylockmma.com.
  3. Brett Okamoto (June 24, 2020). "Kamaru Usman changes camp ahead of title defense vs. Gilbert Burns". espn.com.
  4. @marc_raimondi (March 8, 2019). ""New UFC champ Kamaru Usman has been awarded his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt by longtime coach @SantiagoMMA (...)"" (Tweet). Retrieved June 1, 2019 – via Twitter.
  5. Guy Portman (November 29, 2018). "5 Things You Might Not Know About Kamaru Usman". Sherdog.com.
  6. "Rankings | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2020-07-14.
  7. Fight Night Santiago: Kamaru Usman - Made in Nigeria, retrieved 2019-10-06
  8. Harris, Scott. "A Morality Play for Our Time: Usman vs. Covington Is More Than Mere Grudge Match". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
  9. JRE MMA Show #59 with Kamaru Usman, retrieved July 11, 2020
  10. Nolan King (December 12, 2019). "Rising from humble beginnings, Kamaru Usman has inspired brother Mohammed". mmajunkie.com.
  11. "Being the backup fighter: Inside Kamaru Usman's UFC 228 weight cut". ESPN.com. 2018-09-12. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  12. "Kamarudeen ) Usman - Wrestling". University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics.
  13. JRE MMA Show #59 with Kamaru Usman, retrieved 2019-10-06
  14. "Kamaru Usman: Building The Beast (Feat. Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, Mom & Dad)". www.flocombat.com. Archived from the original on 2019-03-06. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
  15. Gray, Timothy (July 10, 2020). "Recalling Kamaru Usman's time with the UNK wrestling team ahead of his main event at UFC Fight Island". Lincoln Journal-Star. Lincoln, Nebraska. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  16. "Match of the Day". Team USA. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  17. "2010 Div II Wrestling Championships Brackets" (PDF). National Wrestling Coaches Association. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
  18. "Interview with RFA fighter, NCAA wrestling champ, and TUF 14 coach Usman". On The Mat. 2012-11-30. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
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Achievements
Preceded by
Tyron Woodley		 12th UFC Welterweight Champion
March 2, 2019 – Present		 Incumbent
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