Kamaru Usman

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Kamaru Usman
KamaruUsmanPress2018.png
Usman at UFC 228 press conference in 2018
BornKamarudeen Usman [1]
(1987-05-11) May 11, 1987 (age 37)
Auchi, Edo, Nigeria
NicknameThe Nigerian Nightmare
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Division Welterweight (2012–present)
Middleweight (2023-present)
Reach76 in (193 cm) [2]
Fighting out of Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Team Blackzilians (2011–2017)
Kill Cliff FC (2017–2020, 2022–present) [3] [4] [5]
Onx Sports (2020–present)
Trainer Jorge Santiago (grappling) [6]
Trevor Wittman (striking) [6]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jorge Santiago [7]
Wrestling NCAA Division II Wrestling [8]
Years active2010–2012 (freestyle wrestling)
2012–present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total24
Wins20
By knockout9
By submission1
By decision10
Losses4
By knockout1
By submission1
By decision2
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Nebraska–Kearney Lopers
NCAA Division II Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2010 Omaha 174 lb
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2009 Houston 174 lb
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2008 Cedar Rapids 174 lb

Kamarudeen Usman [1] (born May 11, 1987) is a Nigerian-American [9] professional mixed martial artist, former freestyle wrestler, and graduated folkstyle wrestler. He currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Welterweight Champion. Usman is also The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament winner. As of December 10, 2024, he is #3 in the UFC welterweight rankings. [10]

Contents

As a freestyle wrestler, Usman primarily competed at 84 kilograms (185 lb), and was a 2010 U.S. University World Team Member. [11] Collegiately, he competed at 174 pounds (79 kg), and was the 2010 NCAA Division II national champion, a three–time NCAA Division II All-American, and a NAIA national qualifier. [12] [13]

Background

Usman was born in Auchi, Edo state of Nigeria. [14] His father was a major in the Nigerian Army and his mother was a teacher. [15] [16] [17] He has two brothers, Kashetu and Mohammed, the latter of whom is also a mixed martial artist and fellow The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner. [18] Usman had a modest upbringing during his childhood. [19] Usman's father Muhammed Nasiru Usman, who became a pharmacist in the United States, brought his family into the country when Usman was eight years old, immigrating to Dallas, Texas. [20]

Wrestling career

Usman started wrestling in his sophomore year in high school, at Bowie High School in Arlington, 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. [21] [22] After compiling a 53–3 record as a senior and placing third at the Texas state championships, Usman wrestled at the senior national tournament before leaving for college. [23]

In college, Usman wrestled in Iowa at William Penn University for one year, where he was an NAIA 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. [24] He later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), which previously tried to recruit him under advisement of then-UNK wrestler Tervel Dlagnev, and subsequently helped the Lopers win their first-ever team title in 2008. [24] Usman placed top three in the nation all three years he attended UNK and was a two-time national finalist. [25] He became the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds in 2010, finishing the season with a 44–1 record and 30 straight wins. [26]

Shortly after his folkstyle career was over, Usman turned his attention to freestyle wrestling and became a resident of the United States Olympic Training Center, with hopes of making the 2012 Olympic team. [27] [28] Despite making the U.S. University World Team in 2010, Usman was sidetracked by injuries and eventually abandoned his Olympic goal after failing to qualify for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, turning his attention to mixed martial arts instead. [29] [30] Former National Football League (NFL) star Christian Okoye, who has the nickname "The Nigerian Nightmare" trademarked, gave his blessing for Usman to use it. [31]

Mixed martial arts career

Professional MMA career

In 2011, Usman served as the wrestling coach for Team Miller in The Ultimate Fighter season fourteen. [32] After failing to qualify for the 2012 US Olympic Team Trials in freestyle wrestling, Usman made his professional MMA debut in November 2012. [33] He compiled a record of 5–1, competing for several regional promotions before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter in early 2015. [34] [35]

The Ultimate Fighter

In February 2015, it was announced that Usman was one of the fighters selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter 21. [35]

In his TUF debut and quarterfinal bout of the bracket, Usman faced undefeated eventual Titan FC Welterweight Champion Michael Graves. He won the fight via majority decision. [36]

In the semifinals, Usman faced off against long-time veteran and former WSOF Welterweight Champion Steve Carl. He won the fight via unanimous decision and advanced to the finals. [37]

In the finals, Usman faced Hayder Hassan on July 12, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale. [38] He won the bout via submission in the second round, thus winning a six-figure contract with the UFC. [39] He was also awarded the Performance of the Night award. [40]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

2015

In his official debut as a UFC athlete, Usman faced future champion Leon Edwards on December 19, 2015, at UFC on Fox 17. [41] He won the fight by unanimous decision. [42]

2016

Usman was expected to face two-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion Sérgio Moraes on May 14, 2016, at UFC 198. [43] However, it was announced on May 1 that Usman had pulled out of the bout for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Luan Chagas. [44]

In his first bout of the year, Usman faced Alexander Yakovlev on July 23, 2016, at UFC on Fox 20. [45] He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision after out-grappling Yakovlev. [46]

Usman faced TUF: Brazil 3 tournament winner Warlley Alves on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 100. [47] He won the match by unanimous decision for the third-straight time. [48]

2017

Usman faced former long-time KOTC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland on April 8, 2017, at UFC 210. [49] He once again won the fight via unanimous decision. [50]

A rescheduled bout with a Sérgio Moraes on a seven-match unbeaten streak eventually took place on September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116. [51] Usman won the fight via one-punch knockout in the first round. [52]

Usman was scheduled to face Venator FC Welterweight Champion Emil Weber Meek on December 30, 2017, at UFC 219, however, Meek presented VISA problems and the pair was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 124. [53] [54] Usman won the fight by unanimous decision after out-wrestling his opponent. [55]

2018

Usman was expected to face Santiago Ponzinibbio on May 19, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 129. [56] However, on April 21, Ponzinibbio was pulled from the card due to injury [57] and replaced by ADCC Grappling World Champion and two-time UFC title challenger Demian Maia. [58] After denying all of Maia's fifteen attempts of takedowns and out-performing his opponent on the feet, Usman won the fight via unanimous decision. [59]

On August 18, it was announced that Usman would serve as a back-up for the UFC 228 main event match between long-time champion Tyron Woodley and undefeated challenger Darren Till. [60]

Usman faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale. [61] He won the fight via unanimous decision. [62] This win earned him his second Performance of the Night award. [63]

UFC Welterweight Champion

2019

Riding a nine-fight winning streak in the UFC, Usman next faced UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley on March 2, 2019, in the co-main event at UFC 235. [64] He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision after dominating Woodley for five rounds. [65]

Usman made his first title defense and faced long-time rival Colby Covington at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019. [66] Despite both athletes being mostly offensive wrestlers, [67] the fight did not include any grappling and contained high-paced offense in the striking instead. [68] After a fight often referred to as a five-round "slugfest", Usman was able to knockdown his opponent twice before finishing him with strikes in the fifth round to be declared the winner via technical knockout, [69] which set the record for the latest finish in UFC welterweight history. [70] This fight earned both participants the Fight of the Night award. [71]

2020

Usman was scheduled to defend his title for the second time against long-time teammate and two-time No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Gilbert Burns on July 12, 2020 at UFC 251. [72] Both being originally from the same camp – Sanford MMA – Usman opted to train under Trevor Wittman heading into the fight. [6] On July 3, 2020, it was revealed that Burns tested positive for COVID-19 and he was subsequently removed from the card. [73] On July 5, 2020, it was reported that Jorge Masvidal stepped in on short notice to replace Burns. [74] Usman won via unanimous decision. [75] The card reportedly generated 1.3 million pay-per-view buys in the United States, the most since UFC 229 in October 2018. [76]

2021

Usman was once again scheduled to defend his title against BJJ World Champion Gilbert Burns, on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256. [77] However, on October 5, 2020, It was reported that Usman had pulled out from the bout, citing more time needed to recover from undisclosed injuries [78] and the bout was postponed for February 13, 2021, as the headliner for UFC 258. [79] Usman defended his title for the third time, as he won the fight via technical knockout in the third round, surpassing the record of the former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre for the largest win-streak in the division with thirteen. [80] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award. [81]

For his fifth title bout, Usman rematched against Jorge Masvidal for the UFC Welterweight Championship on April 24, 2021, at UFC 261 in Florida. [82] He successfully defended his title after knocking out Masvidal in the second round, becoming the first to do so in the UFC. [83] This win earned Usman his fourth Performance of the Night bonus award. [84]

Usman rematched Colby Covington for the UFC Welterweight Championship on November 6, 2021 at UFC 268. [85] Usman retained his championship, being declared the winner via unanimous decision. [86]

2022

Usman met Leon Edwards in a rematch of their 2015 fight, attempting to make his sixth title defense on August 20, 2022 at UFC 278. [87] Usman entered the fight with a -425 winning favour while odd-makers saw Leon as a +315 underdog. [88] Usman lost the fight and title via knockout late in the fifth round, marking Usman's first loss inside the UFC. [89] [90] [91]

2023

A third fight between Usman and Edwards took place on March 18, 2023, at UFC 286 for the UFC Welterweight Championship. [92] He lost the bout via majority decision. [93]

Usman stepped in on 10 days notice, replacing an injured Paulo Costa, to face Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout on October 21, 2023, at UFC 294, which also was Usman's middleweight MMA debut. [94] He lost the fight via majority decision. [95]

Personal life

Born to a Muslim father and Christian mother, Usman identifies as a Muslim. [96] His father, Muhammed Nasiru Usman, who had previous convictions in Tarrant County for theft and drunk driving, [97] 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. [98] He was released from FCI Seagoville on March 16, 2021. [99] [100]

Usman has a daughter who was born in 2014. [101]

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. [102] [103]

Usman was a guest star in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), [104] playing a naval officer. [105]

In 2024, Usman endorsed Donald Trump for President of the United States. [106]

Championships and accomplishments

Folkstyle wrestling

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
24 matches20 wins4 losses
By knockout91
By submission11
By decision102
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss20–4 Khamzat Chimaev Decision (majority) UFC 294 October 21, 202335:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesMiddleweight debut.
Loss20–3 Leon Edwards Decision (majority) UFC 286 March 18, 202355:00 London, EnglandFor the UFC Welterweight Championship. Edwards was deducted 1 point in round 3 due to grabbing the fence.
Loss20–2 Leon Edwards KO (head kick) UFC 278 August 20, 202254:04 Salt Lake City, Utah, United StatesLost the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win20–1 Colby Covington Decision (unanimous) UFC 268 November 6, 202155:00 New York City, New York, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win19–1 Jorge Masvidal KO (punch) UFC 261 April 24, 202121:02 Jacksonville, Florida, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Performance of the Night. Knockout of the Year.
Win18–1 Gilbert Burns TKO (punches) UFC 258 February 13, 202130:34 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win17–1 Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) UFC 251 July 12, 202055:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win16–1 Colby Covington TKO (punches) UFC 245 December 14, 201954:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesDefended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win15–1 Tyron Woodley Decision (unanimous) UFC 235 March 2, 201955:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesWon the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win14–1 Rafael dos Anjos Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale November 30, 201855:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win13–1 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman May 19, 201855:00 Santiago, Chile
Win12–1 Emil Weber Meek Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi January 14, 201835:00 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win11–1 Sérgio Moraes KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch September 16, 201712:48 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Win10–1 Sean Strickland Decision (unanimous) UFC 210 April 8, 201735:00 Buffalo, New York, United States
Win9–1 Warlley Alves Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 November 19, 201635:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Win8–1 Alexander Yakovlev Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko July 23, 201635:00 Chicago, Illinois, United StatesYakovlev was deducted one point in round 1 for grabbing the cage.
Win7–1 Leon Edwards Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 December 19, 201535:00 Orlando, Florida, United States
Win6–1 Hayder Hassan Submission (arm-triangle choke) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 201521:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesWon The Ultimate Fighter 21 Welterweight Tournament. Performance of the Night.
Win5–1 Marcus Hicks TKO (punches)Legacy FC 33July 18, 201425:00 Allen, Texas, United States
Win4–1Lenny LovotoTKO (punches)Legacy FC 30April 4, 201431:04 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win3–1Steven RodriguezTKO (punches)Legacy FC 27January 31, 201411:31 Houston, Texas, United States
Win2–1Rashid AbdullahTKO (punches)VFC 41December 14, 201313:49 Ralston, Nebraska, United StatesCatchweight (180 lb) bout.
Loss1–1Jose CaceresSubmission (rear-naked choke)CFA 11May 24, 201313:47 Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Win1–0David GloverTKO (punches)RFA 5November 30, 201224:50 Kearney, Nebraska, United StatesWelterweight debut.
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win2–0 Steve Carl Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians June 17, 2015 (airdate)25:00 Boca Raton, Florida, United States The Ultimate Fighter 21 semifinals round.
Win1–0 Michael Graves Decision (majority)April 22, 2015 (airdate)25:00 The Ultimate Fighter 21 quarterfinals round.

[133]

Freestyle record

Senior Freestyle Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEventLocation
2012 US Olympic Trials Qualifier DNP at 84 kg
Loss35–26 Flag of the United States.svg Evan Brown1–3, 1–1March 31 – April 1, 20122012 US Olympic Trials Qualifier

Flag of the United States.svg Cedar Falls, Iowa

Win35–25 Flag of the United States.svg Ed RichmondFall
Loss34–25 Flag of the United States.svg Jake Herbert 2–5, 1–5
2012 Dave Schultz M. International DNP at 84 kg
Loss34–24 Flag of India.svg Narsingh Yadav 1–2, 1–5February 2–4, 20122012 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open

Flag of the United States.svg Colorado Springs, Colorado

Win34–23 Flag of the United States.svg Evan Brown1–0, 1–0
Win33–23 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Valentin Sofiadi2–0, 2–0
Win32–23 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Alex Burk5–2, 2–1
Loss31–23 Flag of the United States.svg Deron Winn Fall
Win31–22 Flag of the United States.svg Kurt Brenner0–8, 6–4, 2–0
2011 US Olympic Trials Qualifier 4th at 84 kg
Loss30–22 Flag of the United States.svg Bryce Hasseman0–1, 0–1December 3, 20112011 US Olympic Trials Qualifier

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win30–21 Flag of the United States.svg Travis Paulson INJ
Win29–21 Flag of the United States.svg James Yonushonis4–2, 2–1
Win28–21 Flag of the United States.svg Doug Umbehauer1–1, 2–0
Win27–21 Flag of the United States.svg Kurt Brenner1–0, 5–2
Loss26–21 Flag of the United States.svg Terry Madden0–4, 1–4
Win26–20 Flag of the United States.svg Pat Downey 1–1, 3–3, 4–0
2011 NYAC Holiday International Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss25–20 Flag of the United States.svg Kirk Smith1–1, 0–3November 11–13, 20112011 NYAC Holiday International Open Tournament

Flag of the United States.svg New York City, New York

Win25–19 Flag of the United States.svg Mike Tamillow2–1, 3–0
Loss24–19 Flag of Puerto Rico.svg Jaime Espinal 0–4, 4–6
2011 Sunkist Kids International Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss24–18 Flag of the United States.svg Mack Lewnes2–2, 0–6October 28–30, 20112011 Sunkist Kids International Open Tournament

Flag of the United States.svg Mesa, Arizona

Loss24–17 Flag of the United States.svg Raymond Jordan0–4, 1–3
Win24–16 Flag of the United States.svg Erich Schmidtke3–0, 1–2, 3–1
2011 NP Regionals Silver medal icon.svg at 96 kg
Loss23–16 Flag of the United States.svg Luke Lofthouse1–1, 4–1, 0–1May 12–14, 20112011 Northern Plains Regional Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Waterloo, Iowa

Win23–15 Flag of the United States.svg Mike Schmidt3–3, 7–0, 7–2
2011 US University Nationals 7th at 84 kg
Win22–15 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin BaileyTF 7–0, 6–0April 20–23, 20112011 US University National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Akron, Ohio

Loss21–15 Flag of the United States.svg Max Thomusseit3–1, 0–1, 0–1
Win21–14 Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Loder6–0, 1–3, 2–1
Win20–14 Flag of the United States.svg Keith WittTF 6–0, 6–0
Win19–14 Flag of the United States.svg Ben Bennett2–0, 6–0
Loss18–14 Flag of the United States.svg Nick Heflin0–1, 1–3
Win18–13 Flag of the United States.svg Cole Shafer6–0, 2–0
2011 US Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss17–13 Flag of the United States.svg Raymond Jordan0–2, 0–2April 7–10, 20112011 US Open National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Cleveland, Ohio

Loss17–12 Flag of the United States.svg Bryce Hasseman1–1, 0–3
Win17–11 Flag of the United States.svg Evan Brown0–1, 2–1, 1–02011 US Open National Championships – Qualifier
Win16–11 Flag of the United States.svg Christopher Honeycutt1–1, 2–3, 2–1
Win15–11 Flag of the United States.svg Kaleb Young3–2, 1–0
Loss14–11 Flag of the United States.svg Nick Heflin0–1, 4–1, 0–1
Win14–10 Flag of the United States.svg Dwight MiddletonTF 6–0, 6–0
2011 Dave Schultz M. International DNP at 84 kg
Loss13–10 Flag of Puerto Rico.svg Jaime Espinal FallFebruary 2–5, 20112011 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open

Flag of the United States.svg Colorado Springs, Colorado

Win13–9 Flag of the United States.svg James YonushonisTF 5–0, 8–2
Loss12–9 Flag of Japan.svg Shinya Matsumoto2–4, 1–4
Win12–8 Flag of the United States.svg Jake Landals5–0, 7–0
Win11–8 Flag of the United States.svg James Reynolds4–1, 7–0
2010 NYAC International Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss10–8 Flag of the United States.svg Raymond JordanFallNovember 20–21, 20102010 NYAC International Open Tournament

Flag of the United States.svg New York City, New York

Win10–7 Flag of the United States.svg Jason Lapham1–0, 3–0
Win9–7 Flag of the United States.svg Robert Isley2–1, 4–2
Loss8–7 Flag of the United States.svg Keith Gavin1–0, 1–2, 0–2
Win8–6 Flag of Ukraine.svg Vitaliy Horodnytskyy2–0, 2–1
2010 University World Championships 8th at 84 kg
Loss7–6 Flag of Lithuania.svg Giedrius MorkisFallOctober 30, 20102010 University World Championships

Flag of Italy.svg Torino, Italy

Loss7–5 Flag of Moldova.svg Piotr Ianulov 0–6
Win7–4 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Alex Burk9–2
2010 US University World Team Trials 5th at 74 kg
Loss6–4 Flag of the United States.svg Adam Hall2–0, 0–1, 2–4May 28–29, 20102010 US University World Team Trials

Flag of the United States.svg Colorado Springs, Colorado

Win6–3 Flag of the United States.svg Albert White2–1, 2–0
Loss5–3 Flag of the United States.svg Jon Reader0–4, 1–5
Win5–2 Flag of the United States.svg John Paul O`Connor0–3, 4–3, 5–0
Win4–2 Flag of the United States.svg Matt Ballweg5–1, 6–0
2010 US Open DNP at 74 kg
Loss3–2 Flag of the United States.svg David Bonin1–2, 4–0, 3–3April 22–24, 20102010 US Open National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Cleveland, Ohio

Loss3–1 Flag of the United States.svg Travis Paulson 3–1, 0–1, 0–6
Win3–0 Flag of the United States.svg Derek PeperasINJ2010 US Open National Championships – Qualifier
Win2–0 Flag of the United States.svg David FoxenTF 6–0, 7–0
Win1–0 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Mitchell3–5, 3–2, 6–0

NCAA record

NCAA Division II Championships Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEvent
2010 NCAA (DII) Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 174 lbs
Win11–2Luke Rynish5–4March 13, 20102010 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win10–2Christopher Barrick6–5
Win9–2Aaron Denson2–0
Win8–2Ben Becker9–2
2009 NCAA (DII) Championships Silver medal icon.svg at 174 lbs
Loss7–2Brett Hunter2–3March 14, 20092009 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win7–1Ross Taplin2–0
Win6–1Jarret Hall4–2
Win5–1Luke Rynish8–5
2008 NCAA (DII) Championships Bronze medal icon.svg at 174 lbs
Win4–1Josh Shields3–2March 15, 20082008 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win3–1Chris Gibbs4–1
Loss2–1Albert Miles2–6
Win2–0Tyler TubbsSV–1 7–5
Win1–0Chris GibbsMD 10–0

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV buys
1. UFC 245 Usman vs. CovingtonDecember 14, 2019 T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada, United StatesNot Disclosed [134]
2. UFC 251 Usman vs. MasvidalJuly 12, 2020 Flash Forum Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates1,300,000 [76]
3. UFC 258 Usman vs. BurnsFebruary 13, 2021 UFC Apex Enterprise, Nevada, United StatesNot Disclosed [135]
4. UFC 261 Usman vs. Masvidal 2April 24, 2021 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville, Florida, United States700,000 [136]
5. UFC 268 Usman vs. Covington 2November 6, 2021 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York, United States700,000 [137]
6. UFC 278 Usman vs. Edwards 2August 20, 2022 Vivint Arena Salt Lake City, Utah, United StatesNot Disclosed [138]
7. UFC 286 Edwards vs. Usman 3March 18, 2023 The O2 Arena London, England, United KingdomNot Disclosed [139]
Total sales2,700,000

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Leon Edwards is an English professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the former UFC welterweight champion. A professional competitor since 2011, Edwards formerly competed for BAMMA, where he was the BAMMA welterweight champion. As of 30 July 2024, he is #1 in the UFC welterweight rankings, and as of 27 August 2024, he is #9 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vicente Luque</span> Brazilian-American mixed martial artist (born 1991)

Vicente Catta Preta Luque is a Brazilian and American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of August 27, 2024, he is #14 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emil Weber Meek</span> Norwegian mixed martial arts fighter

Emil Weber Meek is a Norwegian retired professional mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight division. He previously fought in the UFC and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 251</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2020

UFC 251: Usman vs. Masvidal was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on July 12, 2020 at the du Forum on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was originally planned to take place on June 6 at Perth Arena in Perth, Australia. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed on April 9 (see section below). In early June, it was confirmed that the event would instead take place in Abu Dhabi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 256</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2020

UFC 256: Figueiredo vs. Moreno was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on December 12, 2020 at the UFC Apex facility in Enterprise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 261</span> MMA event in 2021

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on April 24, 2021 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 278</span> 2022 mixed martial arts event

UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on August 20, 2022, at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 286</span> 2023 mixed martial arts event

UFC 286: Edwards vs. Usman 3 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on March 18, 2023, at The O2 Arena in London, England.

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Achievements
Preceded by 12th UFC Welterweight Champion
March 2, 2019 – August 20, 2022
Succeeded by