Randy Brown has seen the dark side of life long before making his way into MMA. He witnessed his father go to jail when he was just 2 years old, a moment that cast a long shadow over his early years. But even through the hardship, he always believed there was a silver lining somewhere in the dark clouds that loomed over his family. Now, through his fighting career, he continues to push forward, determined to clear those clouds. He’s never forgotten where he came from—or what he’s fighting for. “My job is to change the narrative of the last name Brown,” he explained on The MMA Hour. “My job now as an MMA fighter, this small thing that I do, I want to change my entire name for everyone.”

‘Rudeboy’ has been part of the UFC for almost eight years, racking up 19 appearances in the Octagon. And while he’s been chasing wins, he’s also been chasing something deeper: redemption, pride, and legacy. He’s doing just that—representing his family with strength and dignity, and representing his country with pride.

Where is Randy Brown from? Ethnicity and nationality

Randall Joseph Brown was born on July 8, 1990, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Jamaican parents. However, life took a difficult turn early on. As a toddler, he moved to Spanish Town, Jamaica, with his mother after she was deported. The hardship didn’t stop there—his father has spent most of Randy’s life behind bars, serving a triple-life sentence.

He’s spoken openly about his past on The MMA Hour, revealing the pain of growing up without his father ever seeing him compete. “He went to jail under the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act, that’s when they first started RICO and all that. He was someone of interest that they wanted to get into organized crime. They slowly worked their way and built up over time, and built up a case against him.”

Brown and his mother were deported back to Jamaica, but despite the separation, they stayed in close contact with his father through regular phone calls. When Brown eventually returned to the U.S. for high school, that bond never wavered. “He’s a good guy, he’s completely changed,” Brown shared. “He’s devoted his life to God. I think that time is served—he did a lot of time.”

As the son of immigrant parents, Brown understands life’s hardships firsthand. He grew up with his mother in a small hut in a place called Techfoot, where they had barely enough to survive. But through resilience and determination, he pushed forward. Today, Brown stands tall as a UFC star with a professional record of 19-6-0, proudly carrying the Jamaican flag with him into the Octagon.

Which religion does Randy Brown follow?

Brown’s Instagram primarily focuses on his fighting career and training, with little mention of his faith. However, he did open up about his beliefs during an appearance on The Fix in March, where he spoke candidly about his journey to the UFC. He credited divine intervention for his success, saying that he would never have made it to the UFC without God’s plan for his life. While his Jamaican roots may imply a background influenced by Christianity, there is no confirmed information about his specific religious affiliation.

What is clear, though, is that Brown believes in a higher power and seamlessly blends his faith with a deep appreciation for his Jamaican heritage. In an October 2023 appearance on Rochielin’s YouTube podcast, he discussed the cultural differences between Jamaica and the U.S., and how he’s found a way to embrace both worlds. During the interview, he also referenced a quote from the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca: “God has given to man no sharper spur to victory than contempt of death.” Brown said he resonates with this message, as it reflects his fearless mindset and relentless pursuit of victory, regardless of the odds.

What languages does Randy Brown speak?

‘Rudeboy’ isn’t just known for his striking and grappling inside the Octagon—he’s also made moves beyond MMA. A self-proclaimed ‘low-key nerd,’ as noted on UFC.com, he built his own PC and even set up a home studio with hopes of growing his YouTube channel. He’s passionate about showing fans who he is outside of fight night, since most only catch glimpses of him during interviews or in the cage.

Though he primarily speaks English in interviews to connect with a wider audience, especially after spending so much time in the U.S., he may also know Jamaican Patois. Still, English remains his main language of communication. Brown is set to take on Nicolas Dalby next at UFC Kansas City on April 26. What do you think about ‘Rudeboy’? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!