Nigerian-American mixed martial artist (born 1987)
Kamarudeen Usman [ 1] [ 9] mixed martial artist , formerfreestyle wrestler , and graduatedfolkstyle wrestler . He currently competes in theWelterweight division of theUltimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a formerUFC Welterweight Champion . Usman is alsoThe Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament winner. He is considered one of the greatest Welterweights of all time.[ 10] [ 11] [ 12] [ 13] UFC welterweight rankings .[ 14]
As a freestyle wrestler, Usman primarily competed at 84 kilograms (185 lb), and was a 2010 U.S. University World Team Member.[ 15] Collegiately , he competed at 174 pounds (79 kg), and was the 2010NCAA Division II national champion, a three–timeNCAA Division II All-American, and aNAIA national qualifier.[ 16] [ 17]
Usman was born inAuchi ,Edo state of Nigeria.[ 18] major in theNigerian Army and his mother was a teacher.[ 19] [ 20] [ 21] [ 22] Dallas, Texas .[ 23] The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner.[ 24]
Usman startedwrestling in hissophomore year atBowie High School inArlington, Texas . Because Usman's wrestling coach at the time had trouble pronouncing his first name Kamarudeen, he got the nickname "Marty" when he joined the team and it stuck with him during his amateur wrestling career.[ 25] [ 26] Texas state championships, Usman wrestled at the senior national tournament before leaving for college.[ 27]
In college, Usman wrestled inIowa atWilliam Penn University for one year, where he was anNAIA national tournament qualifier in 2007, but was unable to attend the tournament due to a snowstorm; half of his team and his head coach, however, left early for the tournament without him, which frustrated Usman and influenced him to leave William Penn.[ 28] University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), which previously tried to recruit him under advisement of then-UNK wrestlerTervel Dlagnev , and subsequently helped theLopers win their first-ever team title in 2008.[ 28] [ 29] NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds in 2010, finishing the season with a 44–1 record and 30 straight wins.[ 30]
Shortly after hisfolkstyle career was over, Usman turned his attention tofreestyle wrestling and became a resident of theUnited States Olympic Training Center , with hopes of making the2012 Olympic team.[ 31] [ 32] mixed martial arts instead.[ 33] [ 34] National Football League (NFL) starChristian Okoye , who has the nickname "The Nigerian Nightmare" trademarked, gave his blessing for Usman to use it.[ 35]
Mixed martial arts career [ edit ] Professional MMA career [ edit ] In 2011, Usman served as thewrestling coach forTeam Miller inThe Ultimate Fighter season fourteen .[ 36] freestyle wrestling , Usman made his professional MMA debut in November 2012.[ 37] The Ultimate Fighter in early 2015.[ 38] [ 39]
The Ultimate Fighter [ edit ] In February 2015, it was announced that Usman was one of the fighters selected to be onThe Ultimate Fighter 21 .[ 39]
In his TUF debut and quarterfinal bout of the bracket, Usman faced undefeated eventualTitan FC Welterweight Champion Michael Graves . He won the fight via majority decision.[ 40]
In the semifinals, Usman faced off against long-time veteran and formerWSOF Welterweight Champion Steve Carl . He won the fight via unanimous decision and advanced to the finals.[ 41]
In the finals, Usman facedHayder Hassan on July 12, 2015, atThe Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale .[ 42] [ 43] Performance of the Night award.[ 44]
Ultimate Fighting Championship [ edit ] In his official debut as a UFC athlete, Usman faced future championLeon Edwards on December 19, 2015, atUFC on Fox 17 .[ 45] [ 46]
Usman was expected to face two-timeWorld Jiu-Jitsu Champion Sérgio Moraes on May 14, 2016, atUFC 198 .[ 47] Luan Chagas .[ 48]
In his first bout of the year, Usman facedAlexander Yakovlev on July 23, 2016, atUFC on Fox 20 .[ 49] [ 50]
Usman facedTUF: Brazil 3 tournament winnerWarlley Alves on November 19, 2016, atUFC Fight Night 100 .[ 51] [ 52]
Usman faced former long-timeKOTC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland on April 8, 2017, atUFC 210 .[ 53] [ 54]
A rescheduled bout with aSérgio Moraes on a seven-match unbeaten streak eventually took place on September 16, 2017, atUFC Fight Night 116 .[ 55] [ 56]
Usman was scheduled to face Venator FC Welterweight ChampionEmil Weber Meek on December 30, 2017, atUFC 219 , however, Meek presentedVISA problems and the pair was rescheduled forUFC Fight Night 124 .[ 57] [ 58] [ 59]
Usman was expected to faceSantiago Ponzinibbio on May 19, 2018, atUFC Fight Night 129 .[ 60] [ 61] ADCC Grappling World Champion and two-time UFC title challengerDemian Maia .[ 62] takedowns and out-performing his opponent on the feet, Usman won the fight via unanimous decision.[ 63]
On August 18, it was announced that Usman would serve as a back-up for theUFC 228 main event match between long-time championTyron Woodley and undefeated challengerDarren Till .[ 64]
Usman facedformer UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos on November 30, 2018, atThe Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale .[ 65] [ 66] Performance of the Night award.[ 67]
UFC Welterweight Champion [ edit ] Riding a nine-fight winning streak in the UFC, Usman next facedUFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley on March 2, 2019, in the co-main event atUFC 235 .[ 68] [ 69]
Usman made his first title defense and faced long-time rivalColby Covington atUFC 245 on December 14, 2019.[ 70] wrestlers ,[ 71] grappling and contained high-paced offense in thestriking instead.[ 72] slugfest ", Usman was able toknockdown his opponent twice before finishing him with strikes in the fifth round to be declared the winner via technical knockout,[ 73] latest finish in UFC welterweight history .[ 74] Fight of the Night [ 75]
Usman was scheduled to defend his title for the second time against long-time teammate and two-timeNo-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Gilbert Burns on July 12, 2020 atUFC 251 .[ 76] Sanford MMA – Usman opted to train underTrevor Wittman heading into the fight.[ 6] COVID-19 and he was subsequently removed from the card.[ 77] Jorge Masvidal stepped in on short notice to replace Burns.[ 78] [ 79] UFC 229 in October 2018.[ 80]
Usman was once again scheduled to defend his title againstBJJ World Champion Gilbert Burns , on December 12, 2020, atUFC 256 .[ 81] [ 82] UFC 258 .[ 83] UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre for the largest win-streak in the division with thirteen.[ 84] Performance of the Night award.[ 85]
For his fifth title bout, Usman rematched againstJorge Masvidal for theUFC Welterweight Championship on April 24, 2021, atUFC 261 in Florida.[ 86] [ 87] Performance of the Night [ 88]
Usman rematchedColby Covington for theUFC Welterweight Championship on November 6, 2021 atUFC 268 .[ 89] [ 90]
Usman metLeon Edwards in a rematch of their 2015 fight, attempting to make his sixth title defense on August 20, 2022 atUFC 278 .[ 91] [ 92] [ 93] [ 94] [ 95]
A third fight between Usman and Edwards took place on March 18, 2023, atUFC 286 for the UFC Welterweight Championship.[ 96] [ 97]
Usman stepped in on 10 days notice, replacing an injuredPaulo Costa , to faceKhamzat Chimaev in amiddleweight bout on October 21, 2023, atUFC 294 , which also was Usman's middleweight MMA debut.[ 98] [ 99]
After a two-year layoff, Usman returned and facedJoaquin Buckley on June 14, 2025 in the main event ofUFC on ESPN 69 .[ 100] [ 101] Fight of the Night [ 102]
Usman began his UFC career with a wrestling-heavy style, often relying on his NCAA Division II background to dominate opponents with pressure, clinch control, and takedowns against the fence.[ 103]
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. His knockout wins over Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal showcased this transformation, with Usman mixing clean punching mechanics with measured aggression.[ 104]
Usman's fighting style emphasized control above all—whether through position, rhythm, or timing. His ability to blend phases of the fight, switching between striking, clinch work, and takedown threats, made him one of the most well-rounded welterweights in UFC history.[ 105]
Born to aMuslim father and Christian mother, Usman identifies as a Muslim.[ 106] [ 107] Tarrant County for theft and drunk driving,[ 108] restitution .[ 109] FCI Seagoville on March 16, 2021.[ 110] [ 111]
Usman has a daughter who was born in 2014.[ 112]
Usman has a younger brother named Mohammed who was also inThe Ultimate Fighter , in the Heavyweight division, winning the UFC contract and becoming the first two brothers to do so.[ 113] [ 114]
Usman was a guest star in the filmBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever [ 115] [ 116]
In 2024, Usman endorsedDonald Trump forPresident of the United States .[ 117]
Championships and accomplishments [ edit ] Folkstyle wrestling [ edit ] Mixed martial arts record [ edit ] Professional record breakdown 25 matches 21 wins 4 losses By knockout 9 1 By submission 1 1 By decision 11 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes Win 21–4 Joaquin Buckley Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley June 14, 2025 5 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia , United StatesReturn to Welterweight. Fight of the Night. Loss 20–4 Khamzat Chimaev Decision (majority) UFC 294 October 21, 2023 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi , United Arab EmiratesMiddleweight debut. Loss 20–3 Leon Edwards Decision (majority) UFC 286 March 18, 2023 5 5:00 London , EnglandFor theUFC Welterweight Championship . Edwards was deducted 1 point in round 3 due to grabbing the fence. Loss 20–2 Leon Edwards KO (head kick) UFC 278 August 20, 2022 5 4:04 Salt Lake City, Utah , United StatesLost theUFC Welterweight Championship . Win 20–1 Colby Covington Decision (unanimous) UFC 268 November 6, 2021 5 5:00 New York City, New York , United StatesDefended theUFC Welterweight Championship . Win 19–1 Jorge Masvidal KO (punch) UFC 261 April 24, 2021 2 1:02 Jacksonville, Florida , United StatesDefended theUFC Welterweight Championship . Performance of the Night. Win 18–1 Gilbert Burns TKO (punches) UFC 258 February 13, 2021 3 0:34 Las Vegas, Nevada , United StatesDefended theUFC Welterweight Championship . Performance of the Night. Win 17–1 Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) UFC 251 July 12, 2020 5 5:00 Abu Dhabi , United Arab EmiratesDefended theUFC Welterweight Championship . Win 16–1 Colby Covington TKO (punches) UFC 245 December 14, 2019 5 4:10 Las Vegas, Nevada , United StatesDefended theUFC Welterweight Championship . Fight of the Night. Win 15–1 Tyron Woodley Decision (unanimous) UFC 235 March 2, 2019 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada , United StatesWon theUFC Welterweight Championship . Win 14–1 Rafael dos Anjos Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale November 30, 2018 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada , United StatesPerformance of the Night. Win 13–1 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman May 19, 2018 5 5:00 Santiago , ChileWin 12–1 Emil Weber Meek Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi January 14, 2018 3 5:00 St. Louis, Missouri , United StatesWin 11–1 Sérgio Moraes KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch September 16, 2017 1 2:48 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , United StatesWin 10–1 Sean Strickland Decision (unanimous) UFC 210 April 8, 2017 3 5:00 Buffalo, New York , United StatesWin 9–1 Warlley Alves Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 November 19, 2016 3 5:00 São Paulo , BrazilWin 8–1 Alexander Yakovlev Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko July 23, 2016 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois , United StatesYakovlev was deducted one point in round 1 for grabbing the cage. Win 7–1 Leon Edwards Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 December 19, 2015 3 5:00 Orlando, Florida , United StatesWin 6–1 Hayder Hassan Submission (arm-triangle choke) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 2015 2 1:19 Las Vegas, Nevada , United StatesWonThe Ultimate Fighter 21 Welterweight Tournament. Performance of the Night. Win 5–1 Marcus Hicks TKO (punches) Legacy FC 33 July 18, 2014 2 5:00 Allen, Texas , United StatesWin 4–1 Lenny Lovoto TKO (punches) Legacy FC 30 April 4, 2014 3 1:04 Albuquerque, New Mexico , United StatesWin 3–1 Steven Rodriguez TKO (punches) Legacy FC 27 January 31, 2014 1 1:31 Houston, Texas , United StatesWin 2–1 Rashid Abdullah TKO (punches) Victory FC 41 December 14, 2013 1 3:49 Ralston, Nebraska , United StatesCatchweight (180 lb) bout. Loss 1–1 Jose Caceres Submission (rear-naked choke) CFA 11 May 24, 2013 1 3:47 Coral Gables, Florida , United StatesWin 1–0 David Glover TKO (punches) RFA 5 November 30, 2012 2 4:50 Kearney, Nebraska , United StatesWelterweight debut.
Exhibition record breakdown 2 matches 2 wins 0 losses By decision 2 0
[ 154]
Senior Freestyle Matches Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location 2012 US Olympic Trials Qualifier DNP at 84 kg Loss 35–26 1–3, 1–1 March 31 – April 1, 2012 2012 US Olympic Trials Qualifier Cedar Falls, Iowa
Win 35–25 Fall Loss 34–25 Jake Herbert 2–5, 1–5 2012 Dave Schultz M. International DNP at 84 kg Loss 34–24 Narsingh Yadav 1–2, 1–5 February 2–4, 2012 2012 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open Colorado Springs, Colorado
Win 34–23 1–0, 1–0 Win 33–23 2–0, 2–0 Win 32–23 5–2, 2–1 Loss 31–23 Deron Winn Fall Win 31–22 0–8, 6–4, 2–0 2011 US Olympic Trials Qualifier 4th at 84 kg Loss 30–22 0–1, 0–1 December 3, 2011 2011 US Olympic Trials Qualifier Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 30–21 Travis Paulson INJ Win 29–21 4–2, 2–1 Win 28–21 1 –1, 2–0Win 27–21 1–0, 5–2 Loss 26–21 0–4, 1–4 Win 26–20 Pat Downey 1 –1, 3–3 , 4–02011 NYAC Holiday International Open DNP at 84 kg Loss 25–20 1–1, 0–3 November 11–13, 2011 2011 NYAC Holiday International Open Tournament New York City, New York
Win 25–19 2–1, 3–0 Loss 24–19 Jaime Espinal 0–4, 4–6 2011 Sunkist Kids International Open DNP at 84 kg Loss 24–18 2–2 , 0–6 October 28–30, 2011 2011 Sunkist Kids International Open Tournament Mesa, Arizona
Loss 24–17 0–4, 1–3 Win 24–16 3–0, 1–2, 3–1 2011 NP Regionals Loss 23–16 1–1 , 4–1, 0–1 May 12–14, 2011 2011 Northern Plains Regional Championships Waterloo, Iowa
Win 23–15 3–3 , 7–0, 7–2 2011 US University Nationals 7th at 84 kg Win 22–15 TF 7–0, 6–0 April 20–23, 2011 2011 US University National Championships Akron, Ohio
Loss 21–15 3–1, 0–1, 0–1 Win 21–14 6–0, 1–3, 2–1 Win 20–14 TF 6–0, 6–0 Win 19–14 2–0, 6–0 Loss 18–14 0–1, 1–3 Win 18–13 6–0, 2–0 2011 US Open DNP at 84 kg Loss 17–13 0–2, 0–2 April 7–10, 2011 2011 US Open National Championships Cleveland, Ohio
Loss 17–12 1–1 , 0–3 Win 17–11 0–1, 2–1, 1–0 2011 US Open National Championships – Qualifier Win 16–11 1 –1, 2–3, 2–1Win 15–11 3–2, 1–0 Loss 14–11 0–1, 4–1, 0–1 Win 14–10 TF 6–0, 6–0 2011 Dave Schultz M. International DNP at 84 kg Loss 13–10 Jaime Espinal Fall February 2–5, 2011 2011 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open Colorado Springs, Colorado
Win 13–9 TF 5–0, 8–2 Loss 12–9 2–4, 1–4 Win 12–8 5–0, 7–0 Win 11–8 4–1, 7–0 2010 NYAC International Open DNP at 84 kg Loss 10–8 Fall November 20–21, 2010 2010 NYAC International Open Tournament New York City, New York
Win 10–7 1–0, 3–0 Win 9–7 2–1, 4–2 Loss 8–7 1–0, 1–2, 0–2 Win 8–6 2–0, 2–1 2010 University World Championships 8th at 84 kg Loss 7–6 Fall October 30, 2010 2010 University World Championships Torino, Italy
Loss 7–5 Piotr Ianulov 0–6 Win 7–4 9–2 2010 US University World Team Trials 5th at 74 kg Loss 6–4 2–0, 0–1, 2–4 May 28–29, 2010 2010 US University World Team Trials Colorado Springs, Colorado
Win 6–3 2–1, 2–0 Loss 5–3 0–4, 1–5 Win 5–2 0–3, 4–3, 5–0 Win 4–2 5–1, 6–0 2010 US Open DNP at 74 kg Loss 3–2 1–2, 4–0, 3–3 April 22–24, 2010 2010 US Open National Championships Cleveland, Ohio
Loss 3–1 Travis Paulson 3–1, 0–1, 0–6 Win 3–0 INJ 2010 US Open National Championships – Qualifier Win 2–0 TF 6–0, 7–0 Win 1–0 3–5, 3–2, 6–0
NCAA Division II Championships Matches Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event 2010 NCAA (DII) Championships Win 11–2 Luke Rynish 5–4 March 13, 2010 2010 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships Win 10–2 Christopher Barrick 6–5 Win 9–2 Aaron Denson 2–0 Win 8–2 Ben Becker 9–2 2009 NCAA (DII) Championships Loss 7–2 Brett Hunter 2–3 March 14, 2009 2009 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships Win 7–1 Ross Taplin 2–0 Win 6–1 Jarret Hall 4–2 Win 5–1 Luke Rynish 8–5 2008 NCAA (DII) Championships Win 4–1 Josh Shields 3–2 March 15, 2008 2008 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships Win 3–1 Chris Gibbs 4–1 Loss 2–1 Albert Miles 2–6 Win 2–0 Tyler Tubbs SV–1 7–5 Win 1–0 Chris Gibbs MD 10–0
No. Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys 1. UFC 245 Usman vs.Covington December 14, 2019 T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada , United StatesNot Disclosed[ 155] 2. UFC 251 Usman vs.Masvidal July 12, 2020 Flash Forum Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates1,300,000[ 80] 3. UFC 258 Usman vs.Burns February 13, 2021 UFC Apex Enterprise, Nevada , United StatesNot Disclosed[ 156] 4. UFC 261 Usman vs.Masvidal 2 April 24, 2021 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville, Florida , United States700,000[ 157] 5. UFC 268 Usman vs.Covington 2 November 6, 2021 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York , United States700,000[ 158] 6. UFC 278 Usman vs.Edwards 2 August 20, 2022 Vivint Arena Salt Lake City, Utah , United StatesNot Disclosed[ 159] 7. UFC 286 Edwards vs.Usman 3 March 18, 2023 The O2 Arena London, England , United KingdomNot Disclosed[ 160] Total sales 2,700,000
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Updated to 25 November 2025
Evan Brown
Narsingh Yadav
Valentin Sofiadi
Alex Burk
Jaime Espinal
at 96 kg
Shinya Matsumoto
Vitaliy Horodnytskyy
Giedrius Morkis
Piotr Ianulov
at 174 lbs
at 174 lbs
