Usman's UFC Fight List: A Complete Guide
Usman UFC Fight List: A Complete Guide
Hey fight fans! If you’re here, you’re probably looking for a comprehensive Usman UFC fight list. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’re diving deep into Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman’s electrifying career, breaking down each and every one of his UFC fights. Get ready to relive the thrills, the knockouts, and the dominant performances that have cemented Usman’s legacy as one of the greatest welterweights of all time.
Table of Contents
The Rise of “The Nigerian Nightmare”
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details of each fight, let’s take a quick look at Usman’s journey to the top. Kamaru Usman’s path to UFC glory is a testament to his relentless work ethic and unwavering determination. Born in Nigeria, Usman moved to the United States at a young age and quickly excelled in wrestling. His collegiate wrestling career was stellar, culminating in a Division II national championship. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Usman brought his dominant wrestling base and quickly developed a well-rounded skillset. His early MMA career saw him compete in various promotions, honing his skills and racking up wins before catching the eye of UFC scouts. What truly sets Usman apart is his unmatched physical strength and cardiovascular endurance. He possesses an incredible ability to impose his will on opponents, controlling them with his wrestling and wearing them down with relentless pressure. But it’s not just his physical attributes; Usman also has a high fight IQ, strategically adapting his game plan based on his opponent’s weaknesses. This combination of physical prowess and mental acumen makes him a formidable force inside the Octagon. Beyond his fighting abilities, Usman is also known for his humble and respectful demeanor outside the cage. He carries himself with professionalism and sportsmanship, earning the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike. This combination of skill, determination, and character has made him a role model for aspiring fighters around the world, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to achieving even the loftiest of goals. Let’s get into Usman’s UFC fight list and see how he became the champion he is!
Usman’s UFC Fight Breakdown
Alright, let’s get down to business! We’re going to break down each of Usman’s UFC fights, giving you the details you crave. From his debut to his championship wins and title defenses, we’ve got it all covered. Each fight summary includes the opponent, the event, the date, and the result. We’ll also throw in some key highlights and analysis to give you a better understanding of each fight’s significance. Get ready for a wild ride through Usman’s octagon journey.
Early UFC Career
Opponent: Hayder Hassan
Event: The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale
Date: July 12, 2015
Result: Win via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in Round 2
- Highlight: This was Usman’s official UFC debut after winning The Ultimate Fighter. He showcased his wrestling and grappling skills, securing a dominant submission victory. The victory marked the beginning of Usman’s impressive winning streak in the UFC.
Opponent: Leon Edwards
Event: UFC on Fox: Dos Anjos vs. Cerrone
Date: December 19, 2015
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: Facing a future champion in Leon Edwards, Usman utilized his wrestling to control the fight and secure a unanimous decision victory. This win demonstrated his ability to grind out tough opponents and control the pace of the fight. Although Edwards would later avenge this loss, it was an important step in Usman’s career.
Opponent: Alexander Yakovlev
Event: UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko
Date: July 23, 2016
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: Usman continued to display his wrestling prowess, dominating Yakovlev on the ground and earning another unanimous decision victory. This fight further solidified his reputation as a dominant wrestler with a knack for controlling opponents. He demonstrated his ability to control the fight and dictate where it took place, which was key to his success.
Opponent: Warlley Alves
Event: UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2
Date: September 24, 2016
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: Usman’s relentless pressure and wrestling were too much for Alves, as he secured yet another unanimous decision victory. This win showcased his ability to maintain a high pace throughout the fight, wearing down his opponent with constant pressure and takedowns. He proved he could handle fighters with strong striking abilities.
Climbing the Ranks
Opponent: Sean Strickland
Event: UFC 210
Date: April 8, 2017
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: Facing a tough and durable opponent in Sean Strickland, Usman showcased his striking improvements alongside his wrestling, securing another unanimous decision victory. This win demonstrated his growing confidence and versatility as a fighter, as he was able to mix his striking with his wrestling effectively.
Opponent: Sergio Moraes
Event: UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch
Date: September 16, 2017
Result: Win via KO (Punch) in Round 1
- Highlight: This fight marked a significant turning point in Usman’s career, as he displayed his knockout power with a stunning first-round KO of Sergio Moraes. The finish showcased his developing striking skills and proved he was more than just a wrestler. It sent a message to the welterweight division that Usman was a threat in all areas of the game.
Opponent: Emil Weber Meek
Event: UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi
Date: January 14, 2018
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: Usman dominated Meek with his wrestling and ground control, earning a dominant unanimous decision victory. This fight was a clear demonstration of his ability to impose his will on opponents, controlling them with his wrestling and preventing them from mounting any offense.
Opponent: Demian Maia
Event: UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman
Date: May 19, 2018
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: In a highly anticipated matchup against grappling ace Demian Maia, Usman successfully defended Maia’s takedown attempts and out-struck him on the feet, earning a unanimous decision victory. This win proved his ability to neutralize the strengths of even the most skilled grapplers, and further cemented his status as a top contender in the welterweight division.
Opponent: Rafael dos Anjos
Event: The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale
Date: November 30, 2018
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
Read also: LLWS 2025: Teams To Watch & Predictions- Highlight: Facing former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, Usman put on a dominant performance, utilizing his wrestling and striking to control the fight and earn a unanimous decision victory. This win catapulted him into title contention and solidified his position as the clear #1 contender in the welterweight division.
Championship Reign
Opponent: Tyron Woodley
Event: UFC 235
Date: March 2, 2019
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: Usman achieved his dream of becoming UFC Welterweight Champion by defeating Tyron Woodley in dominant fashion. He utilized his relentless pressure, wrestling, and improved striking to completely overwhelm Woodley and capture the title. This victory marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and solidified his place among the elite fighters in the UFC.
Opponent: Colby Covington
Event: UFC 245
Date: December 14, 2019
Result: Win via TKO (Punches) in Round 5
- Highlight: In a highly anticipated and heated grudge match against Colby Covington, Usman delivered a thrilling performance, ultimately finishing Covington with strikes in the fifth round. This fight was a back-and-forth war, with both fighters showcasing their toughness and skill. Usman’s victory silenced his doubters and proved he was a true champion, capable of overcoming adversity and delivering in the biggest moments.
Opponent: Jorge Masvidal
Event: UFC 251
Date: July 12, 2020
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: Taking the fight on short notice, Jorge Masvidal stepped in to challenge Usman for the title. Usman utilized his wrestling and clinch work to neutralize Masvidal’s striking and secure a unanimous decision victory. This win demonstrated his ability to adapt to different opponents and game plans, and further solidified his dominance in the welterweight division.
Opponent: Gilbert Burns
Event: UFC 258
Date: February 13, 2021
Result: Win via TKO (Punches) in Round 3
- Highlight: Facing his former teammate Gilbert Burns, Usman overcame early adversity to rally and finish Burns with strikes in the third round. This fight showcased his resilience and ability to weather the storm, as he absorbed some heavy shots early in the fight before turning the tide and securing the victory. It was another impressive title defense that solidified his status as the champion.
Opponent: Jorge Masvidal
Event: UFC 261
Date: April 24, 2021
Result: Win via KO (Punch) in Round 2
- Highlight: In a rematch against Jorge Masvidal, Usman left no doubt, delivering a stunning second-round knockout victory. This win was a statement, proving his striking had evolved to an elite level. It was one of the most impressive knockouts of the year and further cemented his status as the pound-for-pound king.
Opponent: Colby Covington
Event: UFC 268
Date: November 6, 2021
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
- Highlight: In a highly anticipated rematch against Colby Covington, Usman once again emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision victory in a closely contested fight. This fight was another war of attrition, with both fighters pushing each other to their limits. Usman’s ability to maintain his composure and execute his game plan under pressure was key to his victory, proving his mental toughness and championship pedigree.
Losing the Crown
Opponent: Leon Edwards
Event: UFC 278
Date: August 20, 2022
Result: Loss via KO (Head Kick) in Round 5
- Highlight: In a shocking turn of events, Usman suffered a stunning fifth-round knockout loss to Leon Edwards, losing his welterweight title. Despite dominating the majority of the fight, Usman was caught with a perfectly placed head kick in the final minute, ending his reign as champion. This loss served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA, where anything can happen in an instant.
Opponent: Leon Edwards
Event: UFC 286
Date: March 18, 2023
Result: Loss via Majority Decision
- Highlight: In the trilogy fight against Leon Edwards, Usman came up short, losing via majority decision in a closely contested battle. This fight was a tactical affair, with both fighters making adjustments from their previous encounters. While Usman showed improvements in his game plan, Edwards was able to edge out the victory on the scorecards, solidifying his claim to the welterweight title.
Opponent: Khamzat Chimaev
Event: UFC 294
Date: October 21, 2023
Result: Loss via Majority Decision
- Highlight: Usman took this fight on short notice. The fight against Chimaev was very close, with Chimaev winning by a close decision.
What’s Next for Usman?
So, what’s next for “The Nigerian Nightmare”? Despite the recent setbacks, Usman remains a top contender in the welterweight division. Whether he’ll make another run at the title or explore new challenges remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: Kamaru Usman’s legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest welterweights of all time. His dominant performances and unwavering determination have made him a fan favorite, and we can’t wait to see what he does next! Who do you guys think he should fight next?
