Kamaru Usman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

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

Kamaru Usman, known as 'The Nigerian Nightmare,' is a dominant mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight Champion. Born in Nigeria and raised in the United States, Usman utilized an elite wrestling background to become one of the most formidable fighters in UFC history. Known for his exceptional cardiovascular endurance, tactical striking, and powerful takedowns, he maintained a lengthy undefeated streak, including multiple successful title defenses against top-tier contenders. Usman is widely regarded for his technical mastery and professional work ethic, establishing himself as a pound-for-pound great in the sport. Beyond his athletic achievements, he is recognized for his role in elevating the presence of African athletes in international combat sports, serving as a trailblazer for future generations of competitors.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: First-ever team title with UNK

After transferring to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kamaru Usman contributed to the Lopers winning their first-ever team championship title in 2008.

2010: Selection to U.S. University World Team

In 2010, Kamaru Usman achieved a significant milestone in his wrestling career by earning a spot on the U.S. University World Team.

2010: NCAA Division II National Championship and U.S. University World Team Membership

In 2010, Kamaru Usman achieved significant success in his wrestling career by becoming the NCAA Division II national champion, earning a spot on the U.S. University World Team, and continuing his tenure as a three-time NCAA Division II All-American and NAIA national qualifier.

2010: NCAA Division II national champion

In 2010, Kamaru Usman won the NCAA Division II national championship at 174 pounds, concluding his successful season with a 44–1 record and a 30-match winning streak.

July 12, 2015: Victory at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale

On July 12, 2015, Kamaru Usman defeated Hayder Hassan via submission during the second round at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale, securing a six-figure contract with the UFC and earning the Performance of the Night award.

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December 19, 2015: UFC Debut victory against Leon Edwards

On December 19, 2015, Kamaru Usman made his official debut as a UFC athlete at UFC on Fox 17, where he secured a victory over future champion Leon Edwards via unanimous decision.

July 23, 2016: Victory over Alexander Yakovlev at UFC on Fox 20

On July 23, 2016, Kamaru Usman secured a victory against Alexander Yakovlev at the UFC on Fox 20 event. Usman dominated the match through his superior grappling skills, ultimately winning the contest by a unanimous decision from the judges.

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November 19, 2016: Kamaru Usman vs. Warlley Alves at UFC Fight Night 100

On November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 100, Kamaru Usman secured a victory against Warlley Alves via unanimous decision, marking his third consecutive win by that method.

April 8, 2017: Kamaru Usman vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 210

On April 8, 2017, Kamaru Usman competed against former KOTC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland at the UFC 210 event, ultimately securing a victory by unanimous decision.

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September 16, 2017: Victory against Sérgio Moraes at UFC Fight Night 116

On September 16, 2017, Kamaru Usman secured a victory against Sérgio Moraes at UFC Fight Night 116. Usman ended the match in the first round by defeating his opponent, who had been on a seven-match unbeaten streak, with a single-punch knockout.

May 19, 2018: Kamaru Usman defeats Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 129

On May 19, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 129, Kamaru Usman secured a victory over Demian Maia via unanimous decision after successfully defending all fifteen of his opponent's takedown attempts and dominating the stand-up exchanges.

November 30, 2018: Victory at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale

On November 30, 2018, Kamaru Usman defeated former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision during The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale, an achievement that also secured him his second Performance of the Night award.

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March 2, 2019: Victory over Tyron Woodley at UFC 235

On March 2, 2019, Kamaru Usman defeated UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley via unanimous decision at UFC 235, winning the title after dominating the fight for five rounds.

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December 14, 2019: UFC 245 Title Defense vs. Colby Covington

On December 14, 2019, at UFC 245, Kamaru Usman successfully defended his title against Colby Covington in a high-paced striking battle. Usman secured a victory via technical knockout in the fifth round, setting a record for the latest finish in UFC welterweight history and earning the Fight of the Night award.

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July 5, 2020: Jorge Masvidal Steps In

On July 5, 2020, Jorge Masvidal was confirmed as the short-notice replacement to face Kamaru Usman at UFC 251, a fight Usman eventually won by unanimous decision.

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February 13, 2021: UFC 258 Title Defense and Record-Breaking Win

On February 13, 2021, Kamaru Usman successfully defended his title at UFC 258 by defeating Gilbert Burns via third-round TKO. This victory secured his thirteenth consecutive win, surpassing Georges St-Pierre's record for the longest win streak in the UFC welterweight division, and earned him the Performance of the Night award.

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April 24, 2021: UFC Welterweight Championship Defense Against Jorge Masvidal

On April 24, 2021, Kamaru Usman successfully defended his UFC Welterweight Championship title at UFC 261 in Florida by knocking out Jorge Masvidal in the second round, marking the first time Masvidal had been knocked out in the UFC and earning Usman his fourth Performance of the Night bonus.

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November 6, 2021: UFC Welterweight Championship Defense at UFC 268

On November 6, 2021, at the UFC 268 event, Kamaru Usman successfully defended his UFC Welterweight Championship title by defeating Colby Covington in a rematch via a unanimous decision victory.

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June 14, 2025: Victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 69

On June 14, 2025, Kamaru Usman ended a two-year hiatus by defeating Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC on ESPN 69, a performance that secured him the Fight of the Night award.