Kamarudeen Usman, better known as Kamaru Usman, migrated to the United States when he was eight years old. Usman started wrestling at a young age at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. He was known as “Marty” because his coach could not pronounce his name properly.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ earned the NCAA Division II All American title three times during his time with the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He was a two-time national finalist and became the NCAA DII champion in 2010.
Usman made his MMA debut in 2012 and won his first match via a second-round TKO. Unfortunately, he lost his second bout via a rear-naked choke. Usman claims that he did not realize the importance of Jiu-Jitsu before this fight. As of 2021, he is #5 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
After amassing a 5-1 record, Usman received the opportunity to be on The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians. He won both of his matches and then submitted Hayder Hassan to win the twenty-first season of TUF.
Usman continued racking up wins. He went on a nine-fight win streak in the UFC before facing off against Tyron Woodley for the welterweight strap. Usman dominated Woodley to win the belt and then defended it against Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.
He is scheduled to defend his title against Gilbert Burns on February 13, 2021, at UFC 258. He holds a record of 12-0 in his UFC career.
On his feet, Usman is not the best striker. However, when he mixes in his takedowns, his striking becomes dangerous. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ may not have a crowd-pleasing style, but he dominates his opponents with his superior wrestling. He has a strong clinch game.
He is also one of the strongest welterweights on the planet. Besides that, very few people can match his pace of fighting. Usman’s chain wrestling style is nearly unstoppable.
Usman won the NCAA DII bronze medal in 2008, silver in 2009, and gold in 2010. He won TUF: 21 in 2015 and the UFC welterweight strap in 2019.
Usman has won one Fight of the Night bonus and one Performance of the Night bonus against Colby Covington. He holds a stellar record of 17-1-0 in his MMA career.
Kamaru has earned over $2,212,500 in his UFC career according to The Sports Daily. He banked his highest paycheck in his fight with Jorge Masvidal. Usman earned a whopping $640,000 in that fight. It is noteworthy that these figures do not include undisclosed bonuses.
Usman has an estimated net worth of $3 million according to Celebrity Net Worth
As of now, Kamaru Usman is not running any charity. However, he plans to start one in the future.
“I have an excellent team, a great manager and we’re going to put something together, we’re going to start a foundation and we’re going to change lives,” Kamaru Usman said during UFC 235 post-fight press conference.
Kamaru Usman has struck a deal with Trifecta.
| Nickname | The Nigerian Nightmare |
| Age | 33 |
| Born | May 11, 1987 |
| Nationality | American |
| Gym | Sanford MMA, |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight/Division | 170 lbs (Welterweight) |
| Reach | 76″ |
| Record | 17-1-0, 0NC |
| Active Win Streak | 16 |
| Wins by Stoppages | 8 (7KO/TKOs, 1 Submission) |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Endorsements | Trifecta |
| Partner | Unknown |
| Marital Status | Unknown |
| Kids | NA |