Daniel Alexander Ige Bio
Daniel Alexander Ige is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since turning professional in 2014, Ige has fought in multiple organizations including Legacy Fighting Championship, Pancrase, the RFA, and Titan FC, establishing himself as a notable contender in the featherweight class.
Early Life and Background
Daniel Ige was born on August 6, 1991, in Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA. Growing up in Hawaii, he developed an early interest in combat sports. Ige pursued collegiate wrestling at the NCAA Division III level while attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, which laid a strong foundation for his mixed martial arts career. His wrestling background has been a key component of his fighting style throughout his professional journey.
Path to MMA
Ige began his mixed martial arts career with an amateur record of 8 wins and 2 losses before turning professional in 2014. Early in his career, he competed in various regional promotions where he compiled a solid record and gained valuable experience. His breakthrough came after a victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, which earned him a contract with the UFC. This opportunity marked his transition to competing at the highest level of the sport.
Daniel Alexander Ige Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Starting his professional career in 2014, Daniel Ige quickly made a name for himself with a series of wins in regional circuits. He amassed a 2–1 record initially and then achieved six consecutive victories across multiple promotions. These performances showcased his well-rounded skills and readiness for larger platforms. His success on Dana White’s Contender Series was a pivotal moment that led to his UFC debut.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Ige signed with the UFC following his win on Dana White’s Contender Series. He was originally set to debut against Charles Rosa at UFC 220, but after Rosa’s withdrawal, Ige faced Julio Arce, losing by unanimous decision. He rebounded with a first-round TKO win over Mike Santiago at UFC 225 and continued to build momentum with victories over Jordan Griffin and Danny Henry, the latter earning him his first Performance of the Night bonus.
Throughout 2019 and 2020, Ige secured wins against notable opponents including Kevin Aguilar, Mirsad Bektić, and Edson Barboza, often in closely contested bouts. His fight against Barboza was a split decision win despite most media scoring the fight for Barboza. In July 2020, Ige faced Calvin Kattar but lost via unanimous decision. He returned to winning ways with a knockout of Gavin Tucker in early 2021, earning another Performance of the Night award.
Later in 2021 and 2022, Ige faced tough competition including Chan Sung Jung, Josh Emmett, and Movsar Evloev, resulting in losses but demonstrating his resilience and willingness to face top contenders. In 2023, he secured a second-round knockout of Damon Jackson and a unanimous decision win over Nate Landwehr, both performances earning him accolades. In 2024, Ige won a first-round knockout against Andre Fili, adding another Performance of the Night to his record.
Xtreme Couture MMA and American Kickboxing Academy Era (2014–Present)
Daniel Ige trains with Xtreme Couture MMA and American Kickboxing Academy, two prominent teams known for developing elite fighters. His training environment has contributed to his technical growth and strategic approach inside the octagon. Ige’s continued association with these teams supports his competitive edge and preparation against high-level opponents.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Ige utilizes a collegiate wrestling base complemented by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in which he holds a black belt, and Judo, where he has a brown belt. His fighting style blends striking power with grappling proficiency, allowing him to adapt to various opponents. Ige is known for his aggressive striking, submission skills, and tactical fight management, often securing victories by knockout, submission, or decision.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his UFC tenure, Daniel Ige has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, highlighting his exciting fighting style and ability to finish fights. Key milestones include his first UFC win by TKO at UFC 225 and his knockout victories that have elevated his status within the featherweight division. His resilience in facing top-ranked opponents underscores his competitive spirit.
Daniel Alexander Ige Career Wins
Daniel Ige has accumulated a professional record of 19 wins and 10 losses, with victories achieved through a mix of knockouts, submissions, and decisions. His diverse skill set has allowed him to succeed across various promotions and maintain a competitive presence in the UFC featherweight rankings.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Ige has secured notable wins including a first-round TKO over Mike Santiago, submission victory against Danny Henry, and knockout wins over Gavin Tucker and Damon Jackson. His ability to finish fights has earned him several Performance of the Night awards, reflecting his impact in the featherweight division. Ige continues to compete against top contenders, maintaining a position within the top 15 rankings.
Other Wins and Performances
Before entering the UFC, Ige compiled an impressive record in regional promotions and on Dana White’s Contender Series. His early career success laid the groundwork for his advancement to the sport’s premier organization. His amateur and professional performances demonstrate a consistent winning pattern and growth as a mixed martial artist.
Daniel Alexander Ige Family
Personal Life
Daniel Ige is married to Savannah, and the couple has a son born in 2021. He resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he continues his training and professional career. Ige maintains a balance between his family life and the demands of competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Daniel Ige remains an active competitor in the UFC featherweight division. He secured a technical knockout win over Sean Woodson in April and faced former Bellator champion Patrício Pitbull in July, where he lost by unanimous decision. Ige’s performances this year reflect his ongoing commitment to competing against elite fighters and striving for advancement in the division. His training with Xtreme Couture MMA and American Kickboxing Academy continues to support his development and readiness for future bouts.