History of Kamaru Usman in Timeline
Kamarudeen Usman, a Nigerian-American, is a prominent figure in mixed martial arts (MMA). A former freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, he competes in the UFC's Middleweight division and was previously the UFC Welterweight Champion. He also won The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament. As of July 30, 2024, Usman holds the #2 ranking in the UFC welterweight rankings.
May 11, 1987: Birth of Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman was born on May 11, 1987.
2007: College Wrestling at William Penn University
In 2007, Usman wrestled at William Penn University and qualified for the NAIA national tournament but could not attend due to a snowstorm.
2008: Transfer to University of Nebraska at Kearney
Usman transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) in 2008 and helped the Lopers win their first team title.
May 2010: Father's Conviction and Sentencing
In May 2010, Usman's father was convicted of health care fraud and money laundering, and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
2010: Usman's Wrestling Achievements
In 2010, Usman became a member of the U.S. University World Team and won the NCAA Division II national championship in wrestling.
2010: Member of U.S. University World Team
In 2010, Usman became a member of the U.S. University World Team in freestyle wrestling.
2010: NCAA Division II National Champion
In 2010, Usman became the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds while attending UNK.
2011: Wrestling Coach for Team Miller
In 2011, Usman served as the wrestling coach for Team Miller on The Ultimate Fighter season fourteen.
November 2012: Professional MMA Debut
Usman made his professional MMA debut in November 2012.
2012: Shift to Mixed Martial Arts
After failing to qualify for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in freestyle wrestling, Usman shifted his focus to mixed martial arts.
2014: Daughter's Birth
Usman's daughter was born in 2014.
February 2015: Selection for The Ultimate Fighter 21
In February 2015, Usman was selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter 21.
July 12, 2015: The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale
On July 12, 2015, Usman won The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale against Hayder Hassan via submission and earned a UFC contract and Performance of the Night award.
December 19, 2015: UFC Debut against Leon Edwards
On December 19, 2015, Usman made his official UFC debut against Leon Edwards at UFC on Fox 17 and won by unanimous decision.
2015: First Fight with Leon Edwards
In 2015, Usman had his first fight against Leon Edwards.
2015: Tryout for The Ultimate Fighter
Usman tried out for The Ultimate Fighter in early 2015.
May 14, 2016: Withdrawal from UFC 198
Usman was scheduled to face Sérgio Moraes at UFC 198 on May 14, 2016, but withdrew for undisclosed reasons.
July 23, 2016: Victory against Alexander Yakovlev
Usman defeated Alexander Yakovlev by unanimous decision at UFC on Fox 20 on July 23, 2016.
November 19, 2016: Win against Warlley Alves
On November 19, 2016, Usman secured a unanimous decision victory against Warlley Alves at UFC Fight Night 100.
April 8, 2017: Victory against Sean Strickland
Usman defeated Sean Strickland via unanimous decision at UFC 210 on April 8, 2017.
September 16, 2017: Knockout Victory against Sérgio Moraes
On September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116, Usman knocked out Sérgio Moraes in the first round.
December 30, 2017: Rescheduled Bout with Emil Weber Meek
Usman's bout with Emil Weber Meek, initially scheduled for December 30, 2017 at UFC 219, was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 124 due to Meek's visa issues.
May 19, 2018: Victory against Demian Maia
On May 19, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 129, Usman defeated Demian Maia by unanimous decision after initially being scheduled to fight Santiago Ponzinibbio, who withdrew due to injury.
October 2018: UFC 229 Pay-Per-View Buys
UFC 251 generated the most pay-per-view buys since UFC 229 in October 2018.
November 30, 2018: Victory against Rafael dos Anjos
Usman defeated former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale on November 30, 2018, earning him his second Performance of the Night award.
March 2, 2019: UFC Welterweight Championship Victory
On March 2, 2019, at UFC 235, Usman defeated Tyron Woodley by unanimous decision to become the UFC Welterweight Champion.
December 14, 2019: Title Defense against Colby Covington
Usman defended his title against Colby Covington at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019, winning by technical knockout in the fifth round and earning Fight of the Night honors.
July 3, 2020: Gilbert Burns Tests Positive for COVID-19
Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19 on July 3, 2020, leading to his removal from UFC 251.
July 5, 2020: Jorge Masvidal Replaces Gilbert Burns
Jorge Masvidal replaced Gilbert Burns on short notice at UFC 251 on July 5, 2020.
July 12, 2020: Scheduled Title Defense against Gilbert Burns
Usman was scheduled to defend his title against Gilbert Burns at UFC 251 on July 12, 2020, but Burns tested positive for COVID-19 and was replaced by Jorge Masvidal.
October 5, 2020: Withdrawal from UFC 256
On October 5, 2020, Usman withdrew from his scheduled fight against Burns at UFC 256 due to injuries.
December 12, 2020: Scheduled Title Defense vs. Gilbert Burns
On December 12, 2020, Kamaru Usman was scheduled to defend his title against Gilbert Burns at UFC 256.
February 13, 2021: UFC 258 Victory and Record-Breaking Win Streak
On February 13, 2021, Usman defeated Burns via TKO at UFC 258, extending his welterweight win streak to thirteen and earning Performance of the Night.
March 16, 2021: Father's Release from Prison
Usman's father, Muhammed Nasiru Usman, was released from prison on March 16, 2021.
April 24, 2021: UFC 261 Victory against Jorge Masvidal
On April 24, 2021, at UFC 261, Usman knocked out Masvidal to defend his title and earn his fourth Performance of the Night award.
November 6, 2021: UFC 268 Victory against Colby Covington
On November 6, 2021, Usman won a unanimous decision against Colby Covington at UFC 268 to retain his welterweight championship.
August 20, 2022: UFC 278 Loss to Leon Edwards
On August 20, 2022, Usman lost his welterweight title to Leon Edwards via knockout at UFC 278, his first loss in the UFC.
2022: Appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In 2022, Usman made a guest appearance as a naval officer in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
March 18, 2023: UFC 286 Loss to Leon Edwards
On March 18, 2023, at UFC 286, Usman lost to Leon Edwards by majority decision in their trilogy fight for the welterweight championship.
October 21, 2023: UFC 294 Middleweight Debut and Loss to Khamzat Chimaev
On October 21, 2023, at UFC 294, Usman made his middleweight debut against Khamzat Chimaev, losing by majority decision.
July 30, 2024: UFC Welterweight Ranking
As of July 30, 2024, Kamaru Usman was ranked #2 in the UFC welterweight rankings.