Kamaru Usman

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kamaru Usman
Usman at UFC 228 press conference in 2018
BornKamarudeen Usman[1]
(1987-05-11) May 11, 1987 (age 36)
Auchi, Edo, Nigeria
NicknameThe Nigerian Nightmare
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionWelterweight (2012–present)
Middleweight (2023)
Reach76 in (193 cm)[2]
Fighting out ofDenver, Colorado, U.S.
TeamBlackzilians (2011–2017)
Kill Cliff FC (2017–2020, 2022–present)[3][4][5]
Onx Sports (2020–present)
TrainerJorge Santiago (grappling)[6]
Trevor Wittman (striking)[6]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jorge Santiago[7]
WrestlingNCAA 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 Wrestling Championships
Gold medal – first place 2010 Omaha 174 lbs
Silver medal – second place 2009 Houston 174 lbs
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Cedar Rapids 174 lbs

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 in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the former UFC Welterweight Champion. Usman is also The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament winner. As of November 14, 2022, he is #1 in the UFC welterweight rankings.[10]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

Professional MMA career[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

2015[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

2019[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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]

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

Folkstyle wrestling[edit]

Mixed martial arts[edit]

Mixed martial arts record[edit]

Professional record breakdown
24 matches 20 wins 4 losses
By knockout 9 1
By submission 1 1
By decision 10 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 20–4 Khamzat Chimaev Decision (majority) UFC 294 October 21, 2023 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Middleweight debut
Loss 20–3 Leon Edwards Decision (majority) UFC 286 March 18, 2023 5 5:00 London, England For the UFC 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 States Lost the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 20–1 Colby Covington Decision (unanimous) UFC 268 November 6, 2021 5 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 19–1 Jorge Masvidal KO (punch) UFC 261 April 24, 2021 2 1:02 Jacksonville, Florida, United States Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Performance of the Night. Knockout of the Year.
Win 18–1 Gilbert Burns TKO (punches) UFC 258 February 13, 2021 3 0:34 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC 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 Emirates Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 16–1 Colby Covington TKO (punches) UFC 245 December 14, 2019 5 4:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC 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 States Won the UFC 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 States Performance of the Night.
Win 13–1 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman May 19, 2018 5 5:00 Santiago, Chile
Win 12–1 Emil Weber Meek Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi January 14, 2018 3 5:00 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win 11–1 Sérgio Moraes KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch September 16, 2017 1 2:48 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 10–1 Sean Strickland Decision (unanimous) UFC 210 April 8, 2017 3 5:00 Buffalo, New York, United States
Win 9–1 Warlley Alves Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 November 19, 2016 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 8–1 Alexander Yakovlev Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko July 23, 2016 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States Yakovlev 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 States
Win 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 States Won The 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 States
Win 4–1 Lenny Lovoto TKO (punches) Legacy FC 30 April 4, 2014 3 1:04 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 3–1 Steven Rodriguez TKO (punches) Legacy FC 27 January 31, 2014 1 1:31 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 2–1 Rashid Abdullah TKO (punches) VFC 41 December 14, 2013 1 3:49 Ralston, Nebraska, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout.
Loss 1–1 Jose Caceres Submission (rear-naked choke) CFA 11 May 24, 2013 1 3:47 Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Win 1–0 David Glover TKO (punches) RFA 5 November 30, 2012 2 4:50 Kearney, Nebraska, United States Welterweight debut.
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 2–0 Steve Carl Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians June 17, 2015 (airdate) 2 5:00 Boca Raton, Florida, United States The Ultimate Fighter 21 semifinals round.
Win 1–0 Michael Graves Decision (majority) April 22, 2015 (airdate) 2 5:00 The Ultimate Fighter 21 quarterfinals round.

[132]

Freestyle record[edit]

Senior Freestyle Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location
2012 US Olympic Trials Qualifier DNP at 84 kg
Loss 35–26 United States Evan Brown 1–3, 1–1 March 31 – April 1, 2012 2012 US Olympic Trials Qualifier

United States Cedar Falls, Iowa

Win 35–25 United States Ed Richmond Fall
Loss 34–25 United States Jake Herbert 2–5, 1–5
2012 Dave Schultz M. International DNP at 84 kg
Loss 34–24 India Narsingh Yadav 1–2, 1–5 February 2–4, 2012 2012 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open

United States Colorado Springs, Colorado

Win 34–23 United States Evan Brown 1–0, 1–0
Win 33–23 Bulgaria Valentin Sofiadi 2–0, 2–0
Win 32–23 Canada Alex Burk 5–2, 2–1
Loss 31–23 United States Deron Winn Fall
Win 31–22 United States Kurt Brenner 0–8, 6–4, 2–0
2011 US Olympic Trials Qualifier 4th at 84 kg
Loss 30–22 United States Bryce Hasseman 0–1, 0–1 December 3, 2011 2011 US Olympic Trials Qualifier

United States Las Vegas, Nevada

Win 30–21 United States Travis Paulson INJ
Win 29–21 United States James Yonushonis 4–2, 2–1
Win 28–21 United States Doug Umbehauer 1–1, 2–0
Win 27–21 United States Kurt Brenner 1–0, 5–2
Loss 26–21 United States Terry Madden 0–4, 1–4
Win 26–20 United States Pat Downey 1–1, 3–3, 4–0
2011 NYAC Holiday International Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss 25–20 United States Kirk Smith 1–1, 0–3 November 11–13, 2011 2011 NYAC Holiday International Open Tournament

United States New York City, New York

Win 25–19 United States Mike Tamillow 2–1, 3–0
Loss 24–19 Puerto Rico Jaime Espinal 0–4, 4–6
2011 Sunkist Kids International Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss 24–18 United States Mack Lewnes 2–2, 0–6 October 28–30, 2011 2011 Sunkist Kids International Open Tournament

United States Mesa, Arizona

Loss 24–17 United States Raymond Jordan 0–4, 1–3
Win 24–16 United States Erich Schmidtke 3–0, 1–2, 3–1
2011 NP Regionals 2nd place, silver medalist(s) at 96 kg
Loss 23–16 United States Luke Lofthouse 1–1, 4–1, 0–1 May 12–14, 2011 2011 Northern Plains Regional Championships

United States Waterloo, Iowa

Win 23–15 United States Mike Schmidt 3–3, 7–0, 7–2
2011 US University Nationals 7th at 84 kg
Win 22–15 United States Kevin Bailey TF 7–0, 6–0 April 20–23, 2011 2011 US University National Championships

United States Akron, Ohio

Loss 21–15 United States Max Thomusseit 3–1, 0–1, 0–1
Win 21–14 United States Ryan Loder 6–0, 1–3, 2–1
Win 20–14 United States Keith Witt TF 6–0, 6–0
Win 19–14 United States Ben Bennett 2–0, 6–0
Loss 18–14 United States Nick Heflin 0–1, 1–3
Win 18–13 United States Cole Shafer 6–0, 2–0
2011 US Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss 17–13 United States Raymond Jordan 0–2, 0–2 April 7–10, 2011 2011 US Open National Championships

United States Cleveland, Ohio

Loss 17–12 United States Bryce Hasseman 1–1, 0–3
Win 17–11 United States Evan Brown 0–1, 2–1, 1–0 2011 US Open National Championships – Qualifier
Win 16–11 United States Christopher Honeycutt 1–1, 2–3, 2–1
Win 15–11 United States Kaleb Young 3–2, 1–0
Loss 14–11 United States Nick Heflin 0–1, 4–1, 0–1
Win 14–10 United States Dwight Middleton TF 6–0, 6–0
2011 Dave Schultz M. International DNP at 84 kg
Loss 13–10 Puerto Rico Jaime Espinal Fall February 2–5, 2011 2011 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open

United States Colorado Springs, Colorado

Win 13–9 United States James Yonushonis TF 5–0, 8–2
Loss 12–9 Japan Shinya Matsumoto 2–4, 1–4
Win 12–8 United States Jake Landals 5–0, 7–0
Win 11–8 United States James Reynolds 4–1, 7–0
2010 NYAC International Open DNP at 84 kg
Loss 10–8 United States Raymond Jordan Fall November 20–21, 2010 2010 NYAC International Open Tournament

United States New York City, New York

Win 10–7 United States Jason Lapham 1–0, 3–0
Win 9–7 United States Robert Isley 2–1, 4–2
Loss 8–7 United States Keith Gavin 1–0, 1–2, 0–2
Win 8–6 Ukraine Vitaliy Horodnytskyy 2–0, 2–1
2010 University World Championships 8th at 84 kg
Loss 7–6 Lithuania Giedrius Morkis Fall October 30, 2010 2010 University World Championships

Italy Torino, Italy

Loss 7–5 Moldova Piotr Ianulov 0–6
Win 7–4 Canada Alex Burk 9–2
2010 US University World Team Trials 5th at 74 kg
Loss 6–4 United States Adam Hall 2–0, 0–1, 2–4 May 28–29, 2010 2010 US University World Team Trials

United States Colorado Springs, Colorado

Win 6–3 United States Albert White 2–1, 2–0
Loss 5–3 United States Jon Reader 0–4, 1–5
Win 5–2 United States John Paul O`Connor 0–3, 4–3, 5–0
Win 4–2 United States Matt Ballweg 5–1, 6–0
2010 US Open DNP at 74 kg
Loss 3–2 United States David Bonin 1–2, 4–0, 3–3 April 22–24, 2010 2010 US Open National Championships

United States Cleveland, Ohio

Loss 3–1 United States Travis Paulson 3–1, 0–1, 0–6
Win 3–0 United States Derek Peperas INJ 2010 US Open National Championships – Qualifier
Win 2–0 United States David Foxen TF 6–0, 7–0
Win 1–0 United States Michael Mitchell 3–5, 3–2, 6–0

NCAA record[edit]

NCAA Division II Championships Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event
2010 NCAA (DII) Championships 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 174 lbs
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 2nd place, silver medalist(s) at 174 lbs
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 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 174 lbs
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

Pay-per-view bouts[edit]

No. Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
1. UFC 245 Usman vs. Covington December 14, 2019 T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada, United States Not Disclosed[133]
2. UFC 251 Usman vs. Masvidal July 12, 2020 Flash Forum Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 1,300,000[76]
3. UFC 258 Usman vs. Burns February 13, 2021 UFC Apex Enterprise, Nevada, United States Not Disclosed[134]
4. UFC 261 Usman vs. Masvidal 2 April 24, 2021 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville, Florida, United States 700,000[135]
5. UFC 268 Usman vs. Covington 2 November 6, 2021 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York, United States 700,000[136]
6. UFC 278 Usman vs. Edwards 2 August 20, 2022 Vivint Arena Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Not Disclosed[137]
7. UFC 286 Edwards vs. Usman 3 March 18, 2023 The O2 Arena London, England, United Kingdom Not Disclosed[138]
Total sales 2,700,000

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Kamarudeen Usman – Wrestling". University of Nebraska – Kearney Athletics. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  2. ^ "Kamaru Usman". UFC. September 14, 2018. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  3. ^ Ollie Carlson (December 13, 2019). "Hard Knocks 365 rebrands to Sanford MMA with sponsorship from Sanford Health". thebodylockmma.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  4. ^ E. Spencer Kyte (January 1, 2021). "Champion Check-In: Kamaru Usman's Patient Dominance". Ultimate Fighting Championship. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  5. ^ "Gilbert Burns Opens Up On Sanford MMA Reunion With Kamaru Usman". MMA News. May 29, 2022. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c Brett Okamoto (June 24, 2020). "Kamaru Usman changes camp ahead of title defense vs. Gilbert Burns". espn.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  7. ^ @marc_raimondi (March 8, 2019). "'New UFC champ Kamaru Usman has been awarded his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt by longtime coach @SantiagoMMA (...)'" (Tweet). Retrieved June 1, 2019 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ Guy Portman (November 29, 2018). "5 Things You Might Not Know About Kamaru Usman". Sherdog.com.
  9. ^ "Kamaru Usman: Nigerian Nightmare, Samirah's Dream". The Guardian Nigeria. May 12, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  10. ^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  11. ^ "Interview with RFA fighter, NCAA wrestling champ, and TUF 14 coach Kamaru "Marty" Usman". On The Mat | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, News, Gear and Kimonos. November 30, 2012. Archived from the original on July 18, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  12. ^ "Kamarudeen (Marty) Usman – Wrestling". University of Nebraska – Kearney Athletics. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  13. ^ Sports, N. T. V. (July 7, 2020). "Kamaru Usman represents UNK at UFC level". KHGI. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  14. ^ Fight Night Santiago: Kamaru Usman – Made in Nigeria, archived from the original on November 2, 2021, retrieved October 6, 2019
  15. ^ Harris, Scott. "A Morality Play for Our Time: Usman vs. Covington Is More Than Mere Grudge Match". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on May 8, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  16. ^ JRE MMA Show #59 with Kamaru Usman, archived from the original on July 11, 2020, retrieved July 11, 2020
  17. ^ "Usman Knew Greatness Awaited Him | UFC". www.ufc.com. February 27, 2019. Archived from the original on April 26, 2021. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  18. ^ Nolan King (December 12, 2019). "Rising from humble beginnings, Kamaru Usman has inspired brother Mohammed". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  19. ^ "How UFC 235's Kamaru Usman overcame adversity as a Nigerian immigrant who is closing in on The American Dream". www.sportingnews.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  20. ^ "Being the backup fighter: Inside Kamaru Usman's UFC 238 weight cut". ESPN.com. September 12, 2018. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  21. ^ "Kamarudeen Usman – Wrestling". University of Nebraska – Kearney Athletics. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  22. ^ JRE MMA Show #59 with Kamaru Usman, archived from the original on July 27, 2020, retrieved October 6, 2019
  23. ^ "Kamaru Usman: Building The Beast (Feat. Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, Mom & Dad)". www.flocombat.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  24. ^ a b Gray, Timothy (July 10, 2020). "Recalling Kamaru Usman's time with the UNK wrestling team ahead of his main event at UFC Fight Island". Lincoln Journal-Star. Lincoln, Nebraska. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  25. ^ a b c "Match of the Day". Team USA. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  26. ^ "2010 Div II Wrestling Championships Brackets" (PDF). National Wrestling Coaches Association. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 19, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  27. ^ "The Nigerian Nightmare's Golden Dream | UFC". www.ufc.com. September 14, 2018. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  28. ^ "Match of the Day: Kamaru Usman and Pat Downey wrestle at the 2011 Olympic Team Trials Qualifier". Team USA. July 10, 2020. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  29. ^ "Kamaru Usman's Code". Muscle & Fitness. January 20, 2020. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  30. ^ "Interview with RFA fighter, NCAA wrestling champ, and TUF 14 coach Usman". On The Mat. November 30, 2012. Archived from the original on July 18, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  31. ^ Bembry, Jerry (March 1, 2019). "Kamaru Usman on Tyron Woodley: 'I will push all the right buttons until I break him'". Andscape. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  32. ^ "'Ecstatic' Mayhem names TUF coaching staff – The Underground". www.mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  33. ^ "Fate and the Journey of Kamaru Usman | UFC". www.ufc.com. September 14, 2018. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  34. ^ "Kamaru 'The Nigerian Nightmare' Usman MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  35. ^ a b Marc Raimondi (February 28, 2015). "TUF 21 features American Top Team vs. Blackzilians with $500K on the line". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  36. ^ Mike Bohn (April 22, 2015). "Episode No. 1 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 21: ATT vs. Blackzilians'". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  37. ^ Mike Bohn (June 17, 2015). "Episode No. 9 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 21: ATT vs. Blackzilians'". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  38. ^ Dana Becker (July 9, 2015). "The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale card all set, Four TUF Fighters in action". fightline.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  39. ^ a b Matt Erickson (July 12, 2015). "TUF 21 Finale results: Kamaru Usman taps Hayder Hassan to win 'TUF 21' crown". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  40. ^ Mike Sloan (July 12, 2015). "'TUF 21' Finale Bonuses: Thompson, Usman, Masvidal, Samman nab $50K". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  41. ^ Staff (September 1, 2015). "Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman added to UFC on FOX 17 in Orlando". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2015. Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  42. ^ John Morgan (December 19, 2015). "UFC on FOX 17 results: Kamaru Usman grinds out Leon Edwards". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  43. ^ Guilherme Cruz (March 1, 2016). "Sergio Moraes vs. Kamaru Usman added to UFC event in Brazil". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on March 2, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  44. ^ Staff (May 1, 2016). "Kamaru Usman out of UFC 198 bout with Sergio Moraes". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  45. ^ Chris Sosa (June 3, 2016). "'Nigerian Nightmare' lands spot for UFC event at United Center". redeyechicago.com. Archived from the original on June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  46. ^ Steven Marrocco (July 23, 2016). "UFC on FOX 20 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Alexander Yakovlev in grappling heavy affair". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  47. ^ Guilherme Cruz (October 4, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 100 gets Warlley Alves vs. Kamaru Usman". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  48. ^ Steven Marrocco (November 19, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 100 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Warlley Alves for wide decision win". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2016. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  49. ^ Staff (February 14, 2017). "Sean Strickland vs. Kamaru Usman added to UFC 210 in Buffalo". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  50. ^ Steven Marrocco (April 8, 2017). "UFC 210 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Sean Strickland, still perfect in UFC". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  51. ^ David Tees (July 23, 2017). "Multiple fights added To UFC Fight Night: Pittsburgh". fansided.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  52. ^ "UFC–Pittsburgh results: Kamaru Usman right hand proves problematic for Sergio Moraes". MMAjunkie. September 17, 2017. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  53. ^ DNA, MMA (October 20, 2017). "TUF 21 winnaar Kamaru Usman treft 'Valhalla Army' tijdens UFC 219". mmadna.nl. Archived from the original on October 21, 2017. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
  54. ^ Staff (December 14, 2017). "Kamaru Usman vs. Emil Meek rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 124 in St. Louis". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  55. ^ "UFC Fight Night 124 results: Kamaru Usman outwrestles Emil Meek to stay perfect in UFC". MMA Junkie. January 15, 2018. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  56. ^ Ariel Helwani (March 23, 2018). "Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman scheduled for UFC Chile main event". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  57. ^ "UFC Chile main, co-main events fall apart with Santiago Ponzinibbio, Volkan Oezdemir out". MMAjunkie. April 22, 2018. Archived from the original on April 22, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  58. ^ Raphael Marinho (April 26, 2018). "Ultimate announces Demian Maia as substitute for Ponzinibbio at UFC Chile" (in Portuguese). sportv.globo.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  59. ^ "UFC Fight Night 129 results: Kamaru Usman denies Demian Maia takedowns, cruises to decision win". MMAjunkie. May 20, 2018. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  60. ^ Carroll, Peter (August 18, 2018). "Kamaru Usman to serve as official backup for UFC 228 main event, 'dreamt' this is how he becomes champion". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  61. ^ Raphael Marinho (September 12, 2018). "UFC plans Dos Anjos vs. Kamaru Usman as TUF 28 Finale Main Fight" (in Portuguese). sportv.globo.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  62. ^ "TUF 28 Finale results: Kamaru Usman relentless, stakes title claim with shutdown of Rafael dos Anjos". MMAjunkie. December 1, 2018. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  63. ^ a b "TUF 28 Finale Bonuses! Benavidez's TKO Leads $50K Winners". MMAmania.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  64. ^ Tristen Critchfield (January 6, 2019). "Tyron Woodley, Kamaru Usman to clash for welterweight championship at UFC 235". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2019. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  65. ^ a b "UFC 235 results: Kamaru Usman blanks Tyron Woodley, takes belt in one-sided affair". MMA Junkie. March 3, 2019. Archived from the original on March 4, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  66. ^ "Kamaru Usman to face Colby Covington at UFC 245". MMAFighting.com. September 27, 2019. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
  67. ^ Gallo, Ed (December 10, 2019). "UFC 245 wrestling breakdown: Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  68. ^ "Colby Covington on why he didn't wrestle Kamaru Usman: 'I was beating him up so easily standing'". MMA Junkie. February 20, 2020. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  69. ^ "Usman silences Covington with 5th-round TKO". ESPN.com. December 15, 2019. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  70. ^ Harris, Scott. "Kamaru Usman Silences Colby Covington and Becomes Welterweight King at UFC 245". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on October 10, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  71. ^ a b Fernando Quiles Jr. (December 15, 2019). "UFC 245 Bonuses, Live Gate, & Attendance Revealed". Mma News. mmanews.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  72. ^ Farah Hannoun (June 9, 2020). "Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns headlines UFC 251 on 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi". MMAFighting.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  73. ^ "Gilbert Burns tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC 251 headliner vs. Kamaru Usman". MMA Junkie. July 4, 2020. Archived from the original on January 2, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  74. ^ "Kamaru Usman opens as 3–1 favorite in UFC 251 title defense vs. Jorge Masvidal". MMA Junkie. July 5, 2020. Archived from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  75. ^ Martin, Damon (July 12, 2020). "Kamaru Usman dominates Jorge Masvidal with suffocating performance in UFC 251 main event". MMAFighting.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  76. ^ a b Mike Coppinger (July 13, 2020). "Sources: UFC 251 generates around 1.3 million PPV buys, most since 2018". theathletic.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  77. ^ "Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns Set For UFC 256, Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz 2 In The Works". MMA News. September 1, 2020. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  78. ^ "Sources: Usman-Burns fight on Dec. 12 is off". ESPN.com. October 5, 2020. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  79. ^ Brett Okamoto (January 5, 2021). "Kamaru Usman-Gilbert Burns to headline UFC 258, sources say". ESPN.
  80. ^ Martin, Damon (February 13, 2021). "Kamaru Usman survives early scare, finishes Gilbert Burns with barrage of punches in UFC 258 main event". MMA Fighting. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  81. ^ a b "UFC 258 Bonuses: Usman Among Fighters To Nab Performance Checks". MMA News. February 14, 2021. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  82. ^ "UFC 261 heads to Florida with Usman-Masvidal 2 leading three title fights in front of full crowd". MMA Junkie. March 16, 2021. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  83. ^ Doherty, Dan (April 25, 2021). "UFC 261 Results: Kamaru Usman Knocks Jorge Masvidal Out Cold". Cageside Press. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  84. ^ a b Lee, Alexander K. (April 25, 2021). "UFC 261 bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas rewarded for championship knockouts". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on April 26, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  85. ^ Shakiel Mahjouri (July 26, 2021). "Usman vs. Covington 2 set for UFC 268". mmamania.com. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  86. ^ Law, Eddie (November 7, 2021). "UFC 268 Results: Kamaru Usman Beats Covington Again, Wins Unanimous Decision". Cageside Press. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  87. ^ Staff (June 11, 2022). "UFC 278 set for Salt Lake City with Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards 2 headlining". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  88. ^ Clark, Jacob (August 18, 2022). "UFC 278: Usman vs Edwards 2 Odds and Predictions". thesportsgeek.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  89. ^ Martin, Damon (August 21, 2022). "Leon Edwards pulls off stunning comeback with head-kick knockout over Kamaru Usman in UFC 278 main event". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on August 21, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  90. ^ "UFC title: Leon Edwards shocks Kamaru Usman to win UFC welterweight title". Dateline Nigeria. August 21, 2022. Archived from the original on August 21, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  91. ^ "Stunning Kamara Usman knockout loss at UFC 278 by perfect Leon Edwards kick captured the cruel beauty of MMA". www.sportingnews.com. August 21, 2022. Archived from the original on September 7, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  92. ^ Damon Martin (January 14, 2023). "Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 set for UFC 286 in London". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  93. ^ Jay Anderson (March 18, 2023). "UFC 286: Leon Edwards overcomes point deduction, defends Welterweight title against Kamaru Usman". Cageside Press. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  94. ^ Damon Martin (October 11, 2023). "Usman replaces Costa, will fight Chimaev at UFC 294". mmafighting.com. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  95. ^ Anderson, Jay (October 21, 2023). "UFC 294: Khamzat Chimaev Starts Strong, Wins Majority Decision Over Kamaru Usman". Cageside Press. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  96. ^ "Kamaru Usman Finally Reveals His True Religious Agenda". YouTube. MMA Debut. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  97. ^ United States of America v. Muhammed Usman Archived November 3, 2021, at the Wayback Machine United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (May 2016)
  98. ^ Local Ambulance Company Owner Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $1.3 Million in Restitution for Running Health Care Fraud Scheme Archived March 3, 2022, at the Wayback Machine justice.gov (October 13, 2013)
  99. ^ Fight Island – The inside story of Kamaru Usman, his father and a Texas prison Archived April 30, 2021, at the Wayback Machine Brett Okamoto, espn.co.uk (11 June 2020)
  100. ^ Federal inmate locator Archived April 6, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Federal Bureau of Prisons
  101. ^ @USMAN84kg (July 29, 2018). "My little princess is 4 years old today Smiling face with heart-shaped eyes 👼🏽. Woooow where did 4 years go!!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  102. ^ Hannoun, Farah; Hathaway, Ken (August 4, 2022). "Mohammed Usman loves comparisons with brother Kamaru ahead of UFC on ESPN 40". MMA Junkie. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  103. ^ Mohammed Usman Crowned The Ultimate Fighter Champion | UFC Vegas 59, archived from the original on September 7, 2022, retrieved September 7, 2022
  104. ^ Martin, Damon (July 29, 2022). "Kamaru Usman scores guest starring role in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on July 30, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  105. ^ Maisonet III, Eddie (November 11, 2022). "MMA fighters turned actors: Our favorite moments from combat sports stars in TV and film". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  106. ^ "2007 NAIA Wrestling National Championship Qualifiers". NAIA. February 21, 2007. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  107. ^ "2005 Wrestling Champions 145 Weight Class – UIL" (PDF). UIL Texas. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 24, 2021.
  108. ^ Nate Naasz (February 1, 2022). "NWCA Announces Jim Koch Division II Hall of Fame 2022 Class". nwcaonline.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  109. ^ a b c d e f g h i UFC (June 24, 2023). "UFC Stats - Welterweight Division". ufc.com.
  110. ^ Mike Sloan (July 12, 2015). "'TUF 21' Finale Bonuses: Thompson, Usman, Masvidal, Samman nab $50K". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  111. ^ Mike Bohn (February 14, 2021). "UFC 258 post-event facts: Kamaru Usman's resume hits legendary status". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  112. ^ a b UFC (October 19, 2023). "UFC Stats - All Fighters". ufc.com.
  113. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 23, 2021). "The 10 Best Fighters Of 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  114. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 21, 2021). "The 10 Best Knockouts Of 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  115. ^ UFC (January 16, 2022). "Dana White's 2021 President's Choice Awards - UFC Honors". YouTube. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  116. ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for December: A slugfest between wrestlers". mmajunkie.com. January 3, 2020. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  117. ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for February: Former teammates fight for gold". MMAjunkie.com. March 3, 2021. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  118. ^ Mike Bohn (May 2, 2021). "MMA Junkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for April: A satisfying end to a rematch". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  119. ^ "2021 World MMA Awards Results". mmafighting.com. December 10, 2021. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  120. ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (December 27, 2021). "MMA Fighting's 2021 Fighter of the Year: Kamaru Usman". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  121. ^ Marrocco, Steven (December 29, 2021). "MMA Fighting's 2021 Knockout of the Year: Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  122. ^ ESPN (December 27, 2021). "Kamaru Usman, Julianna Peña highlight MMA's year: The top fighters, fight, finish and moments of 2021". espn.com. Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  123. ^ Patrick L. Stumberg (December 25, 2021). "UFC/MMA 'Knockouts of the Year' 2021 - Top 5 List". mmamania.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  124. ^ Scott Harris (December 30, 2021). "Bleacher Report 2021 MMA Awards: Best Fighter". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  125. ^ Kevin Iole (December 27, 2021). "2021 MMA Fighter of the Year: Kamaru Usman an easy choice". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  126. ^ "MMA 2021 Year in Review: Fighter of the Year". cagesidepress.com. January 1, 2022. Archived from the original on January 1, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  127. ^ Jordan Ellis (December 30, 2021). "Kamaru Usman Named Fighter Of The Year – LowKickMMA 2021 Awards". lowkickmma.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  128. ^ Shakiel Mahjouri (December 30, 2021). "Best of UFC in 2021: Kamaru Usman earns Fighter of the Year award after perfect run". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  129. ^ Matthew Petela (January 26, 2022). "Combat Press 2021 MMA Awards: Male Fighter of the Year – Kamaru Usman". combatpress.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  130. ^ a b Meltzer, Dave (February 18, 2022). "February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  131. ^ @btsportufc (January 10, 2022). "🏆 Male Fighter of the Year - Kamaru Usman" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  132. ^ Sherdog.com. "Kamaru". Sherdog. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  133. ^ "UFC 245: Usman vs. Covington | MMA Event". Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  134. ^ "UFC 258: Usman vs. Burns; MMA Event". Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  135. ^ Alexander, Mookie (April 27, 2021). "Report: UFC 261 generated over 700,000 domestic pay-per-view buys". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  136. ^ Alexander, Mookie (November 23, 2021). "Report: UFC 268 generated around 700,000 PPV buys on ESPN+". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  137. ^ "UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 | MMA Event". Tapology.
  138. ^ "UFC 286: Edwards vs. Usman 3 | MMA Event". Tapology.

External links[edit]

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