David Aliga Onama Bio
David Aliga Onama, born June 7, 1994, is a Ugandan professional mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by the ring name “Silent Assassin,” Onama has established himself as a rising contender, ranked #14 in the UFC featherweight rankings as of November 4, 2025.
Early Life and Background
David Onama was born in the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda. His early life in Uganda shaped his resilience and determination. Seeking greater opportunities, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, USA, where he pursued a career in mixed martial arts. This relocation was pivotal in his development as a professional fighter.
Path to MMA
Onama began his MMA journey as an amateur, compiling an undefeated record of 10–0. His early success in the amateur ranks demonstrated his potential and skill, leading to a professional debut in 2019. Initially competing in the Lightweight division, he transitioned to the Featherweight division in 2024 to better align with his competitive strengths.
David Aliga Onama Career
Early Career (2019–Present)
David Onama started his professional MMA career in 2019. Before signing with the UFC, he maintained an undefeated professional record of 8–0. His early fights showcased his versatility, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. This strong start earned him recognition and an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Onama made his UFC debut as a short-notice replacement against Mason Jones at UFC Fight Night 196, where he lost by unanimous decision. He quickly rebounded by defeating Gabriel Benitez via first-round knockout at UFC Fight Night 201, earning a Performance of the Night award. Onama continued to impress with a submission win over Garrett Armfield and a notable uppercut knockout against Gabriel Santos, which also garnered a Performance of the Night bonus.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, Onama faced tough competition, including a majority decision loss to Nate Landwehr in a Fight of the Night performance. Despite some setbacks, he secured important wins, including unanimous decision victories over Jonathan Pearce and Roberto Romero in 2024. His victory over Giga Chikadze in April 2025 marked a significant milestone, propelling him into the UFC featherweight top 15 rankings.
In November 2025, Onama headlined UFC Fight Night 263 against Steve Garcia but suffered his first stoppage loss via technical knockout in the first round. This marked a challenging moment in his career but also provided valuable experience at the elite level.
Fighting Style and Strengths
David Onama is known for his well-rounded skill set, combining striking power with submission abilities. His reach of 183 cm and height of 180 cm give him physical advantages in the featherweight division. Onama’s ability to finish fights by knockout and submission makes him a versatile and dangerous opponent inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Onama’s career include his UFC debut on short notice, multiple Performance of the Night awards, and a Fight of the Night honor. His knockout wins and rise into the top 15 featherweight rankings highlight his rapid progression in the sport.
David Aliga Onama Career Wins
David Onama has amassed a professional MMA record of 14 wins and 3 losses. His victories include 1 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 2 by decision, reflecting his diverse finishing capabilities and competitive consistency at the highest level.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Onama has recorded several notable wins, including a first-round knockout of Gabriel Benitez and a submission victory over Garrett Armfield. His uppercut knockout of Gabriel Santos and unanimous decision wins over Jonathan Pearce and Roberto Romero further solidified his status as a formidable featherweight contender.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the UFC, Onama maintained an undefeated professional record of 8–0, showcasing his early dominance in regional circuits. His amateur career was equally impressive, with a perfect 10–0 record.
David Aliga Onama Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
There is limited public information regarding David Onama’s family background. Born in a refugee settlement in Uganda, his early environment contributed to his perseverance and dedication to MMA.
Personal Life
David Onama resides in Kansas City, Missouri. He is known for his quiet demeanor, earning the nickname “Silent Assassin.” During a UFC octagon interview, he gave a shoutout to country singer Zach Bryan, revealing a personal connection through Bryan’s management team.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, David Onama continued to compete in the UFC featherweight division, achieving a significant win over Giga Chikadze that elevated him into the top 15 rankings. Despite a setback with a technical knockout loss to Steve Garcia in November, Onama remains a competitive presence. His performances throughout the year have demonstrated growth and resilience as he seeks to climb higher in the division.