Kamarudeen Usman, born on May 11, 1987, is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist, former freestyle wrestler, and graduated folkstyle wrestler.
He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Welterweight Champion. Usman is also The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament winner.
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Usman started wrestling in his sophomore year at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. As a three-time NCAA Division II All-American wrestler from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Usman would move to the Olympic Training Center in pursuit of international acclaim, where he learned what it meant to be an elite athlete, both physically and mentally.
Key Wrestling Achievements:
- 2011 Dave Schultz M.
- 2012 Dave Schultz M.
In his previous athletic life, the 28-year-old native of Auchi, Nigeria had his sights set on a different form of gold - Olympic gold.
Kamaru Usman | Greatest Year
The Ultimate Fighter
Usman's journey on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) marked a significant turning point in his MMA career. In his TUF debut and quarterfinal bout of the bracket, Usman faced undefeated eventual Titan FC Welterweight Champion Michael Graves. In the semifinals, Usman faced off against long-time veteran and former WSOF Welterweight Champion Steve Carl.
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While the season had a unique set of rules and challenges, it was clear from the very beginning to Usman that the climactic welterweight finale would come down to himself versus ATT’s heavy-hitter Hayder Hassan. And Usman wasted no time preparing himself mentally for that clash.
“From day one, he was the standout from their team,” Usman said. “He had the confidence, he had the swagger about him. I felt he was their team captain. Some people might say the same for me. For me, I was the one people looked up to, to kind of get everyone together and pick up their morale if the morale was down. I saw him as that person from his team. I knew we were going to fight, I just didn’t know when. But we were destined to fight. Being in the house, I got a front row seat to witness how this guy’s fights and I’m someone who loves to study. I love this game with all of my heart and I love to study it. Studying him, he had a huge weakness and, it so happens, that weakness was my biggest strength. It was a matter of time. I just had to exploit his weaknesses and that’s what I did in the finale.”
Apparently, that weakness was stopping Usman’s takedowns. The Nigerian Nightmare scored six takedowns in just over six minutes of Octagon time prior to sinking in an arm triangle choke to nab his first UFC win and a Performance of the Night bonus.
On July 12, 2015, Usman tapped Hayder Hassan to win the 'TUF 21' crown.
UFC Career
Following his TUF victory, Usman embarked on his UFC career.
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Over time, especially under the coaching of Trevor Wittman, Usman’s striking evolved significantly. He began fighting at range more often, developing a powerful jab and greater comfort in exchanges. Usman's fighting style emphasized control above all-whether through position, rhythm, or timing.
Here’s a look at some of his key UFC fights:
- UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. St. Preux
- UFC on FOX: Holm vs. Tate
- UFC on FOX: dos Anjos vs. Cerrone
Notable UFC Fights:
- Usman vs. Edwards: Kamaru Usman grinds out Leon Edwards at UFC on FOX 17.
- Usman vs. Yakovlev: Kamaru Usman dominates Alexander Yakovlev in a grappling heavy affair at UFC on FOX 20.
- Usman vs. Alves: Kamaru Usman dominates Warlley Alves for a wide decision win at UFC Fight Night 100.
- Usman vs. Strickland: Kamaru Usman dominates Sean Strickland at UFC 210, remaining perfect in the UFC.
- Usman vs. Moraes: Kamaru Usman's right hand proves problematic for Sergio Moraes at UFC-Pittsburgh.
- Usman vs. Meek: Kamaru Usman outwrestles Emil Meek to stay perfect in UFC at UFC Fight Night 124.
- Usman vs. Maia: Kamaru Usman denies Demian Maia takedowns, cruises to decision win at UFC Fight Night 129.
- Usman vs. Dos Anjos: Kamaru Usman relentless, stakes title claim with shutdown of Rafael dos Anjos at TUF 28 Finale.
UFC Welterweight Championship Reign
Usman's dominance in the welterweight division culminated in him capturing the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Tyron Woodley and Kamaru Usman clashed for the welterweight championship at UFC 235, where Usman blanked Woodley, taking the belt in a one-sided affair.
Kamaru Usman faced Colby Covington at UFC 245, silencing him with a 5th-round TKO.
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Kamaru Usman dominated Jorge Masvidal with a suffocating performance in the UFC 251 main event.
At UFC 258, Kamaru Usman survived an early scare, finishing Gilbert Burns with a barrage of punches.
Championship Defenses:
- Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
- Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
- Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Awards and Achievements
Usman has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
- Latest knockout in UFC title fight history
- Performance of the Night (Four times)
- Fight of the Night (Two times)
- Latest finish in UFC Welterweight history
- Second most total strikes landed in a UFC title fight (336)
- Holds wins over five former UFC champions (4 undisputed)
- 2021: Fan's Choice Knockout of the Year Winner
- President's Choice Performance of the Year Nominee
- 2019: Top 10 Fighter of the Year
- Ranked #2 Fight of the Year vs. Colby Covington 1
- Ranked #8 Upset of the Year
- 2021: Fighter of the Year
- Knockout of the Year
- 2019 December Fight of the Month
- 2021 February Fight of the Month
- 2021 April Knockout of the Month
- 2021 Knockout of the Year
- 2021 Knockout of the Year
- 2021 Knockout of the Year
Personal Life
Born to a Muslim father and Christian mother, Usman identifies as a Muslim.
Usman has a ten-year-old daughter named Samirah Usman, who was born in August 2014. She regularly appears alongside her father at UFC events and training sessions.
Return to Welterweight
After nearly two years out of action, Usman returned at UFC Atlanta to defeat Joaquin Buckley in his return to the Welterweight division.
The Nigerian Nightmare looked back to his best, beating Buckley over five rounds in a unanimous decision to make a dominant return to the octagon.
Kamaru Usman's Stats
Here's a summary of Kamaru Usman's key UFC stats as of June 2025:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Record (W-L-D) | 20-4-0 |
| (T)KO | 9 |
| Sub | 1 |
| Significant Strikes Landed per Minute | 4.22 |
| Significant Striking Accuracy | 37% |
| Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute | 3.13 |
| Significant Strike Defense | 59% |
| Average Takedowns Landed per 15 minutes | 1.78 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 45% |
| Takedown Defense | 74% |
| Average Submissions Attempted per 15 minutes | 0.09 |
