
Popularly known as the "Nigerian Nightmare," Kamarudeen Usman is a highly-skilled. tenacious. and calculative fighter.
Popularly known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” Kamarudeen Usman is a highly-skilled. tenacious. and calculative fighter. Born in Auchi. Edo State Nigeria. Usman grew up with two brothers and a sister who inspired his dreams and contributed to his growth. After moving to Texas. he went from fighting with his brothers at a young age to participating in wrestling at James Bowie High School. Arlington TX. After high school. he went on to became the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds at the University of Nebraska Kearney. Earning this title paved the way to a more engaging fighting career.
Self-disciplined. ambitious. and focus. Kamarudeen enjoys professional fighting and is grateful for every opportunity he gets to display his talent.
Inspired by iconic fighters like Rashad Evans. John Jones. and Mike Tyson. his ultimate goal is to leave behind a legacy and to be regarded as the best in his craft.
He is pressing towards this mark and in 2019 he became the first African UFC Champion. Having earned such a title. Kamaru believes that there are even more victorious days ahead and works relentlessly towards achieving all of his goals. He is not only an ambassador for Africa. but also an inspiration for everyme that has a dream to become the best in their field.
Kamaru is not only an incredible fighter. but he is also a great father to his daughter Samirah, who continues to inspire him. His excitement for fighting goes beyond recognition and winning championships. Fighting for him is a purpose, a lifestyle and most importantly a device to motivate people to build themselves and attain the heights which they envision for themselves. Beyond fighting Kamarudeen is an actor, eloquent commentator and ambassador.

Fight record
date | opponent | RES | Decision | RND | Time | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jul 11, 2020 | Jorge Masvidal | W | Decision - Unanimous | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 251: Usman vs. Masvidal |
Dec 14, 2019 | Colby Covington | W | TKO/RSC | 5 | 4:10 | UFC 245: USMAN vs. COVINGTON |
March 02, 2019 | Tyron Woodley | W | Decision - Unanimous | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 235: JONES vs. SMITH |
Nov 30, 2018 | Rafael Dos Anjos | W | Decision - Unanimous | 5 | 5:00 | The Ultimate Fighter Season 28 Finale: Heavy Hitters Finale |
May 19, 2018 | Demian Maia | W | Decision - Unanimous | 3 | 5:00 | UFC FIGHT NIGHT: MAIA VS USMAN |
Jan 14, 2018 | Emil Meek | W | Decision - Unanimous | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 71: Stephens vs. Choi |
Sep 16, 2017 | Sergio Moraes | W | KO - Strike | 1 | 2:48 | UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch |
April 08, 2017 | Sean Strickland | W | Decision - Unanimous | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson 2 |
Nov 19, 2016 | Warlley Alves | W | Decision - Unanimous | 3 | 0:00 | UFC FIGHT NIGHT: BADER vs. NOGUEIRA |
July 23, 2016 | Alexander Yakovlev | W | Decision - Unanimous | 3 | 5:00 | UFN FOX 20: Holm vs. Shevchenko |
Dec 19, 2015 | Leon Edwards | W | Decision - Unanimous | 3 | 5:00 | UFC on FOX 17: Cerrone vs Dos Anjos |
Jul 12, 2015 | Hayder Hassan | W | Submission - Arm Triangle Choke | 2 | 1:19 | UFC TUF 21 Finale |
Jul 18, 2014 | Marcus Hicks | W | TKO/RSC | 2 | 5:00 | Legacy Fighting Championship 33 |
April 4, 2014 | Lenny Lovato | W | TKO/RSC - Referee Stoppage | 3 | 1:04 | Legacy/Fresquez Promotions 04/04/14 |
Jan 31, 2014 | Steven Rodriguez | W | TKO/RSC | 1 | 3:31 | Legacy Fighting Championship 27 |
Dec 14, 2013 | Rashid Abdullah | W | TKO/RSC - Referee Stoppage from Strikes | 1 | 3:49 | Victory Fighting Championship 41 |
May 24, 2013 | Jose Caceres | L | Submission - Guillotine Choke | 1 | 3:47 | CFA 11 |
Nov 30, 2012 | David Glover | W | TKO/RSC - Referee Stoppage from Strikes | 2 | 4:50 | CFA 11 |