Kamaru Usman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kamaru Usman. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle and folkstyle wrestler. He is a former UFC Welterweight Champion, competing in the UFC's Welterweight division. Usman gained prominence as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament. As of May 2025, he is ranked #5 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Helped UNK win First Title

In 2008, Usman helped the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) win their first-ever team title.

2010: NCAA Division II National Champion

In 2010, Usman became the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds, finishing the season with a 44–1 record and 30 straight wins.

July 12, 2015: The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale Winner

On July 12, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale, Usman faced Hayder Hassan and won via submission in the second round, securing a six-figure contract with the UFC. He also received the Performance of the Night award.

December 19, 2015: UFC Debut vs. Leon Edwards

On December 19, 2015, Usman made his official UFC debut against Leon Edwards at UFC on Fox 17, winning by unanimous decision.

July 23, 2016: UFC on Fox 20 Victory

On July 23, 2016, Usman faced Alexander Yakovlev at UFC on Fox 20, winning via unanimous decision after out-grappling him.

November 19, 2016: UFC Fight Night 100 Win

On November 19, 2016, Usman faced Warlley Alves at UFC Fight Night 100, winning by unanimous decision for the third-straight time.

April 8, 2017: UFC 210 Victory Over Sean Strickland

On April 8, 2017, Usman faced Sean Strickland at UFC 210 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

September 16, 2017: Knockout Win Over Sérgio Moraes

On September 16, 2017, Usman faced Sérgio Moraes at UFC Fight Night 116 and won the fight via one-punch knockout in the first round.

May 19, 2018: UFC Fight Night 129 Victory

On May 19, 2018, Usman faced Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 129, replacing the injured Santiago Ponzinibbio. Usman won the fight via unanimous decision.

November 30, 2018: The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale Victory

On November 30, 2018, Usman faced Rafael dos Anjos at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale and won the fight via unanimous decision, earning his second Performance of the Night award.

March 2, 2019: UFC Welterweight Champion

On March 2, 2019, Usman faced UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 and won the fight via unanimous decision, becoming the new champion.

December 14, 2019: First Title Defense Against Colby Covington

On December 14, 2019, Usman defended his title against Colby Covington at UFC 245. He won via technical knockout in the fifth round, setting the record for the latest finish in UFC welterweight history. This fight earned both participants the Fight of the Night award.

July 12, 2020: UFC 251 Victory Over Jorge Masvidal

On July 12, 2020, Usman was originally scheduled to defend his title against Gilbert Burns at UFC 251, but Jorge Masvidal stepped in on short notice to replace Burns. Usman won via unanimous decision.

February 13, 2021: Third Title Defense at UFC 258

On February 13, 2021, Usman defended his title for the third time against Gilbert Burns at UFC 258, winning via technical knockout in the third round and surpassing Georges St-Pierre for the largest win-streak in the division with thirteen. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

April 24, 2021: Fifth Title Defense Against Jorge Masvidal

On April 24, 2021, Usman rematched against Jorge Masvidal for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 261 in Florida. He successfully defended his title after knocking out Masvidal in the second round, becoming the first to do so in the UFC. This win earned Usman his fourth Performance of the Night bonus award.

November 6, 2021: Title Defense Against Colby Covington

On November 6, 2021, Usman rematched Colby Covington for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 268. Usman retained his championship, being declared the winner via unanimous decision.