Kamaru Usman: The Undisputed Champion of the UFC History

Kamarudeen Usman is a highly accomplished mixed martial artist who has established himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC’s welterweight division. Usman was born on May 11, 1987, in Auchi, Nigeria, and holds dual American and Nigerian citizenship. He is a former freestyle wrestler and retired folkstyle wrestler, and currently competes in the UFC, where he has achieved numerous accolades.

Background and Upbringing

Kamaru Usman was born to a Nigerian father who was a major in the Nigerian Army and a mother who was a teacher. He grew up in Auchi, Nigeria, with his two brothers, Kashetu and Mohammed. Despite a modest upbringing, Kamaru Usman was determined to pursue his passion for wrestling, which led to him achieving numerous accolades throughout his career.

Immigration to the United States

When Kamaru Usman was eight years old, his father immigrated to the United States, settling the family in Dallas, Texas. Kamaru Usman’s father later became a pharmacist, and Usman and his brothers grew up in the United States, where he continued his wrestling career and eventually transitioned to mixed martial arts.

Success in the UFC

Kamaru Usman joined the UFC in 2015 and quickly established himself as a formidable fighter. He won The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament, which earned him a contract with the organization, and went on to become the UFC Welterweight Champion. Usman has successfully defended his title on numerous occasions and is widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweight fighters in UFC history.

Rankings and Records

As of November 14, 2022, Kamaru Usman holds the top spot in the UFC men’s welterweight rankings and is ranked #8 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings as of March 21, 2023. With an impressive professional record of 20 wins and only one loss, Kamaru Usman has cemented his place as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC today.

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Wrestling Career

Kamaru Usman’s wrestling career began in his sophomore year at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. Due to his coach’s difficulties in pronouncing his first name, Kamarudeen, he was given the nickname “Marty,” which he carried throughout his amateur wrestling career. In his senior year, Kamaru Usman compiled an impressive 53-3 record and finished third at the Texas state championships. He then went on to compete alongside future UFC champion Jon Jones at the senior national tournament.

College Wrestling Career

Kamaru Usman enrolled at William Penn University in Iowa for a year, where he qualified for the NAIA national tournament in 2007. Unfortunately, he missed the tournament due to a snowstorm. This frustrating experience, coupled with his coach and half of his team leaving early for the tournament, led him to leave William Penn. He then transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), where he helped the Lopers win their first-ever team title in 2008. He placed top three in the nation all three years he attended UNK and was a two-time national finalist. Usman became the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds in 2010, with a record of 44-1 and 30 straight wins that season.

Freestyle Wrestling and Olympic Dreams

After finishing his folkstyle wrestling career, Kamaru Usman shifted his focus to freestyle wrestling and became a resident of the United States Olympic Training Center, aiming to make the 2012 Olympic team. Despite making the U.S. University World Team in 2010, he suffered injuries that derailed his Olympic ambitions, and he eventually gave up his Olympic goal after failing to qualify for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Mixed Martial Arts

Following his freestyle wrestling career, Kamaru Usman decided to shift his focus to mixed martial arts (MMA). He made his professional debut in November 2012, winning by TKO in the second round. Since then, he has built an impressive record of 20 wins and one loss in his MMA career, with notable victories over top-ranked fighters like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, and Jorge Masvidal.

Trademarked Nickname

Kamaru Usman has been given the nickname “The Nigerian Nightmare,” which was also the moniker of former National Football League (NFL) star Christian Okoye. Okoye has given his blessing to Usman to use the nickname and even supported Kamaru Usman’s use of it, given the latter’s achievements in MMA.

Mixed Martial Arts Career of Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman began his professional mixed martial arts career in November 2012, shortly after failing to qualify for the US Olympic Team Trials in freestyle wrestling. Before attempting to join The Ultimate Fighter in early 2015, he accumulated a 5-1 record by competing in multiple regional promotions. Kamaru Usman was selected to be one of the fighters on the show and served as the wrestling coach for Team Miller in The Ultimate Fighter season fourteen.

Kamaru-Usman

The Ultimate Fighter Season 21

Usman made his The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) debut in the quarterfinals of the bracket, where he faced undefeated eventual Titan FC Welterweight Champion Michael Graves. Despite a tough fight, Usman won the bout via majority decision. In the semifinals, he faced off against long-time veteran and former WSOF Welterweight Champion Steve Carl. Usman won the fight via unanimous decision and advanced to the finals.

In the finals, Usman was pitted against Hayder Hassan on July 12, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale. Usman won the bout in the second round via submission, securing a six-figure contract with the UFC. For his performance, Usman was also awarded the Performance of the Night award.

Professional MMA Career

After winning The Ultimate Fighter, Usman continued his professional MMA career, debuting in the UFC on December 19, 2015. He won his first fight against Leon Edwards via unanimous decision. He then went on to win his next eight fights, defeating notable fighters such as Rafael dos Anjos, Demian Maia, and Tyron Woodley.

On March 2, 2019, Usman fought Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 for the UFC Welterweight Championship. He won the bout via unanimous decision, becoming the new champion. Usman then defended his title against Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns, among others.

As of March 21, 2023, Usman is ranked #1 in the UFC men’s welterweight rankings and #8 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

2015

Usman made his official UFC debut on December 19, 2015, at UFC on Fox 17, where he faced Leon Edwards, a future UFC champion. Usman emerged victorious, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

2016

Usman was initially set to fight Sérgio Moraes, a two-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, on May 14, 2016, at UFC 198. However, Usman withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reasons, and was replaced by promotional newcomer Luan Chagas.

On July 23, 2016, Usman faced Alexander Yakovlev at UFC on Fox 20, where he won via unanimous decision after dominating the grappling exchanges.

Usman faced Warlley Alves, winner of TUF: Brazil 3, on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 100. Usman won the fight by unanimous decision, his third in a row.

2017

Usman fought Sean Strickland, former KOTC Middleweight Champion, on April 8, 2017, at UFC 210, where he won by unanimous decision.

Usman’s bout with Sérgio Moraes was rescheduled for September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116. Usman won the fight in the first round with a knockout punch, ending Moraes’ seven-match unbeaten streak.

Usman was supposed to fight Venator FC Welterweight Champion Emil Weber Meek on December 30, 2017, at UFC 219, but the bout was rescheduled to UFC Fight Night 124 due to Meek’s VISA issues. Usman won the fight by unanimous decision, dominating Meek with his wrestling.

2018

Usman was scheduled to fight Santiago Ponzinibbio on May 19, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 129, but Ponzinibbio withdrew due to an injury, and Demian Maia replaced him. Usman won the fight by unanimous decision, defending all fifteen of Maia’s takedown attempts.

Usman served as a backup for the UFC 228 main event between Tyron Woodley and Darren Till on August 18.

Usman faced Rafael dos Anjos, former UFC Lightweight Champion, on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale, where he won by unanimous decision. This win earned him his second Performance of the Night award.

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UFC Welterweight Champion

In 2019, Kamaru Usman, the UFC Welterweight Champion, extended his winning streak to nine fights by defeating Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 via a unanimous decision after dominating him for five rounds. He defended his title for the first time at UFC 245 by defeating Colby Covington via technical knockout in the fifth round, which set the record for the latest finish in UFC welterweight history. Usman’s second title defense was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251, whom he defeated via unanimous decision, generating 1.3 million pay-per-view buys in the US.

In 2021, Usman was scheduled to defend his title against Gilbert Burns, but he pulled out from the bout, citing undisclosed injuries. The bout was rescheduled for UFC 258, where Usman defended his title for the third time, winning via technical knockout in the third round, surpassing the former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre’s record for the largest win-streak in the division with thirteen. Usman also successfully defended his title against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261, becoming the first to knock him out in the UFC. He then retained his championship against Colby Covington at UFC 268.

However, Usman’s reign as the UFC Welterweight Champion came to an end on August 20, 2022, at UFC 278 when he lost the title to Leon Edwards via knockout in the fifth round. Usman had been favored to win the bout with -425 odds, while Edwards was seen as the underdog at +315. In their third fight on March 18, 2023, at UFC 286, Usman lost again, this time via majority decision.

Personal Life of Kamaru Usman: Background and Family

Kamaru Usman was born to a Muslim father and a Christian mother. He identifies as a Muslim.

Usman’s father, Muhammed Nasiru Usman, had previous convictions in Tarrant County for theft and drunk driving. He was convicted in May 2010 of offenses including health care fraud and money laundering. He was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,300,000 in restitution. He was released from FCI Seagoville on March 16, 2021.

Usman has a younger brother named Mohammed who was also in The Ultimate Fighter, in the Heavyweight division, winning the UFC contract and becoming the first two brothers to do so.

Usman’s Personal Life: Daughter and Acting Career

Usman has a daughter who was born in 2014.

Apart from his career in MMA, Usman has also dabbled in acting. He was a guest star in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), playing a naval officer.

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KAMARU USMAN Wife:

Kamaru Usman is a renowned mixed martial artist and a UFC welterweight champion, known for his impressive skills and tenacity inside the Octagon. Along with his professional achievements, Usman is also known for his personal life, especially his wife, Eleslie Dietzsch.

Eleslie Dietzsch is a Brazilian national and has been married to Kamaru Usman since 2019. Although not much is known about her personal life and background, it is known that she has been a constant support for Usman throughout his UFC career. The couple shares a strong bond and is often seen together in public events and social media posts.

Eleslie is often seen supporting Usman in his fights and is known for being an avid fan of the sport. She is very supportive of her husband and his career, and is often seen cheering for him from the front row of his fights. The couple has been married for several years now and is still going strong, with no signs of any trouble in their relationship.

Apart from being a supportive wife, Eleslie is also a loving mother. The couple has a daughter who was born in 2014 and Eleslie has been an amazing mother, balancing her personal life and responsibilities as a wife and mother with ease.

Eleslie Dietzsch is not only a supportive wife but also a successful businesswoman. She is known to run her own business and has been successful in her career. Her dedication and hard work towards her work is a source of inspiration for many and she is highly respected by those around her.

In conclusion, Eleslie Dietzsch is a strong, supportive and successful woman who has been instrumental in Kamaru Usman’s success both personally and professionally. The couple is a great example of love and dedication, and their relationship is a source of inspiration for many.

 Kamaru Usman net worth:

Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist and current UFC Welterweight Champion, widely considered one of the best welterweight fighters in the world. He has been successful both inside and outside of the octagon, with a considerable impact on his net worth. As of 2023, Kamaru Usman’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million.

One of the key factors contributing to Usman’s net worth is his income from the UFC. He has been able to secure several high-profile fights and has been paid a substantial amount for each bout. Usman has also been successful in securing endorsement deals with various brands, further adding to his income.

Aside from his earnings in the octagon, Usman has also been able to establish himself as a popular figure in the world of mixed martial arts. He has a massive following on social media, and his popularity has translated into a considerable income from sponsorships and personal appearances.

In conclusion, Kamaru Usman is one of the most successful mixed martial artists in the world, and his net worth is a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the sport. With his continued success, it is expected that his net worth will continue to grow in the coming years.

Kamaru usman Height:

Kamaru Usman, also known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight division. He is widely regarded as one of the best welterweight fighters in the world, and has established himself as a dominant champion in his weight class. In addition to his impressive skills in the octagon, Usman is also known for his impressive physical attributes, including his height.

Kamaru Usman stands at 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm), which is considered to be a tall height for a welterweight fighter. This height advantage has certainly helped him in his fights, as he is able to use his long arms and legs to maintain distance and keep his opponents at bay. Usman’s height has also allowed him to effectively utilize his striking and grappling abilities, making him a well-rounded fighter who can dictate the pace of a fight.

Despite his tall stature, Usman is also known for his impressive strength and athleticism. He has a background in wrestling, which has helped him develop a strong grappling game, and he has also demonstrated his power in the striking department. This combination of height, strength, and athleticism has made Usman a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, and he has continued to prove his dominance over the years.

Overall, Kamaru Usman’s height is just one of the many factors that has contributed to his success as a fighter. He has proven time and time again that he is a true champion in his weight class, and his height is certainly a factor that has helped him along the way. Whether he is striking from range or grappling on the ground, Usman is a formidable opponent, and his height only adds to his already impressive skill set.

Kamaru Usman Record
Professional record breakdown
23 matches20 wins3 losses
By knockout91
By submission11
By decision101
Res.RecordOpponentEventDateLocationNotes
Loss20–3Leon EdwardsUFC 28618-Mar-23London, EnglandFor the UFC Welterweight Championship. Edwards was deducted 1 point in round 3 due to grabbing the fence.
Loss20–2Leon EdwardsLeon EdwardsUFC 27820-Aug-22Salt Lake City, Utah, United StatesLost the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win20–1Colby CovingtonUFC 2686-Nov-21New York City, New York, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win19–1Jorge MasvidalUFC 26124-Apr-21Jacksonville, Florida, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win18–1Gilbert BurnsUFC 25813-Feb-21Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win17–1Jorge MasvidalUFC 25112-Jul-20Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win16–1Colby CovingtonUFC 24514-Dec-19Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win15–1Tyron WoodleyUFC 2352-Mar-19Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesWon the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win14–1Rafael dos AnjosThe Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale30-Nov-18Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win13–1Demian MaiaUFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman19-May-18Santiago, Chile
Win12–1Emil Weber MeekUFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi14-Jan-18St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win11–1Sérgio MoraesUFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch16-Sep-17Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Win10–1Sean StricklandUFC 2108-Apr-17Buffalo, New York, United States
Win9–1Warlley AlvesUFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 219-Nov-16São Paulo, Brazil
Win8–1Alexander YakovlevUFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko23-Jul-16Chicago, Illinois, United StatesYakovlev was deducted one point in round 1 for grabbing the cage.
Win7–1Leon EdwardsLeon EdwardsUFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 219-Dec-15Orlando, Florida, United States
Win6–1Hayder HassanThe Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale12-Jul-15Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesWon The Ultimate Fighter 21 Welterweight Tournament. Performance of the Night.
Win5–1Marcus HicksLegacy FC 3318-Jul-14Allen, Texas, United States
Win4–1Lenny LovotoLegacy FC 304-Apr-14Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win3–1Steven RodriguezLegacy FC 2731-Jan-14Houston, Texas, United States
Win2–1Rashid AbdullahVFC 4114-Dec-13Ralston, Nebraska, United StatesCatchweight (180 lb) bout.
Loss1–1Jose CaceresCFA 1124-May-13Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Win1–0David GloverRFA 530-Nov-12Kearney, Nebraska, United StatesWelterweight debut.
Win2–0Pawel ZwiefkaFight UK MMA: Fight UK 519-Nov-11Leicester, EnglandMiddleweight debut.
Win1–0Damian ZlotnickiFight UK MMA: Fight UK 45-Jun-11Leicester, EnglandWelterweight debut.
Win5–0Nate ThomsonCage Fighting Championships 158-Oct-10Sydney, Australia
Win4–0Jay CobainCage Fighting Championships 145-Jun-10Sydney, Australia
Win3–0Nick ArielCage Fighting Championships 1212-Mar-10Sydney, Australia
Win2–0Richard WalshCage Fighting Championships 1120-Nov-09Sydney, Australia
Win1–0Chris TallowinXFC 1414-Mar-09Perth, Australia

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