Kamaru Usman Bio
Kamarudeen Usman, born May 11, 1987, is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle and folkstyle wrestler. He competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Welterweight Champion. Usman is also the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament and is regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in MMA history.
Early Life and Background
Kamaru Usman was born in Auchi, Edo state, Nigeria. His father, Muhammed Nasiru Usman, was a major in the Nigerian Army before becoming a pharmacist in the United States, and his mother was a teacher. Usman immigrated to Dallas, Texas, with his family at the age of eight. He has two brothers, including Mohammed Usman, who is also a mixed martial artist and The Ultimate Fighter winner.
Growing up in the United States, Usman began wrestling in high school, earning the nickname “Marty” due to his coach’s difficulty pronouncing his first name. He compiled an impressive 53–3 record as a senior and placed third at the Texas state championships. Usman’s early wrestling success laid the foundation for his transition into collegiate and later professional combat sports.
Path to MMA
Usman wrestled collegiately at William Penn University and later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he became the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds in 2010. He was a three-time NCAA Division II All-American and an NAIA national qualifier. After college, Usman pursued freestyle wrestling, making the 2010 U.S. University World Team and training at the United States Olympic Training Center with hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.
Despite his wrestling credentials, injuries and setbacks prevented Usman from making the Olympic team. He then transitioned to mixed martial arts, making his professional debut in November 2012. Usman competed in regional promotions before earning a spot on The Ultimate Fighter 21 in 2015, where he won the tournament and secured a UFC contract.
Kamaru Usman Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
Usman began his MMA career with a strong wrestling base, compiling a 5–1 record in regional circuits. His wrestling skills and physicality quickly made him a standout prospect. In 2015, he participated in The Ultimate Fighter 21, defeating Michael Graves and Steve Carl to reach the finals. Usman won the finale against Hayder Hassan via submission, earning a UFC contract and the Performance of the Night award.
UFC Breakthrough (2015–2019)
Usman made his official UFC debut in December 2015, defeating Leon Edwards by unanimous decision. Over the next few years, he built an undefeated streak, showcasing dominant wrestling and improving striking. Notable wins included victories over Alexander Yakovlev, Warlley Alves, and Demian Maia. Usman’s first knockout win came against Sérgio Moraes in 2017, signaling his evolving striking ability.
In 2019, Usman captured the UFC Welterweight Championship by defeating Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 via unanimous decision. This victory marked a major milestone, establishing him as the division’s top fighter. He successfully defended the title multiple times, including a memorable technical knockout win over Colby Covington at UFC 245, which set the record for the latest finish in welterweight history.
Kill Cliff FC Era and Title Defenses (2017–Present)
After training with the Blackzilians early in his career, Usman joined Kill Cliff FC in 2017, where he continued to develop under coach Trevor Wittman. His striking improved significantly during this period, leading to knockout wins over Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal. Usman defended his title against top contenders, maintaining a dominant presence in the welterweight division.
In 2022, Usman lost the UFC Welterweight Championship to Leon Edwards via knockout in a dramatic fifth-round finish. A rematch in 2023 resulted in a majority decision loss. Later that year, Usman moved up to middleweight, making his debut against Khamzat Chimaev but losing by majority decision. After a two-year layoff, he returned in 2025 with a unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley, earning Fight of the Night honors.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Usman’s fighting style is rooted in his wrestling background, emphasizing pressure, clinch control, and takedowns. Over time, he developed a powerful jab and striking skills, blending wrestling with effective stand-up techniques. His ability to control the pace and mix striking with grappling makes him one of the most well-rounded fighters in UFC history.
Notable Events and Milestones
Usman’s career highlights include winning The Ultimate Fighter 21, capturing and defending the UFC Welterweight Championship multiple times, and setting records for title defenses and late-round finishes. His knockout victories over top contenders and his status as one of the greatest welterweights underscore his impact on the sport.
Kamaru Usman Career Wins
Throughout his MMA career, Kamaru Usman has amassed 21 wins out of 25 professional fights. His victories include wins by decision, knockout, and submission, reflecting his versatility and skill across different aspects of mixed martial arts.
UFC Highlights
Usman’s UFC career is marked by significant achievements, including winning the Welterweight Championship and defending it successfully multiple times. His first UFC win was against Leon Edwards in 2015, and his most recent notable victory was a unanimous decision over Joaquin Buckley in 2025. Usman’s fights often feature high-level wrestling combined with striking improvements, earning him multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night awards.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Usman competed in regional promotions where he built a solid record. His early MMA career helped him gain experience and recognition, leading to his selection for The Ultimate Fighter and subsequent UFC success.
Kamaru Usman Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kamaru Usman comes from a family with a strong athletic background. His father served in the Nigerian Army and later became a pharmacist in the United States. Usman’s younger brother, Mohammed Usman, is also a professional mixed martial artist and The Ultimate Fighter winner, making them the first brothers to win the tournament.
Personal Life
Usman identifies as a Muslim and has a daughter born in 2014. His father faced legal issues in the United States but was released from prison in 2021. Usman resides in Denver, Colorado, and is known by the nickname “The Nigerian Nightmare,” a moniker he uses professionally in MMA.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kamaru Usman returned to competition after a two-year hiatus, headlining UFC on ESPN 69 against Joaquin Buckley. Usman secured a unanimous decision victory, demonstrating his enduring skill and competitiveness. The fight earned him Fight of the Night honors, signaling a strong comeback. Usman continues to compete in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, maintaining his status as a top contender with the support of his team at Kill Cliff FC and Onx Sports. His outlook remains positive as he aims to reclaim championship status and add to his legacy in mixed martial arts.