Kamaru Usman, famously known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” is one of the most dominant fighters in UFC welterweight history. His journey from humble beginnings in Nigeria to UFC stardom is a testament to hard work, resilience, and unwavering determination. Here’s an in-depth look at his personal life, career, finances, and more.
Kamaru Usman’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Kamarudeen Usman |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years |
| Place of Birth | Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| College | William Penn University, University of Nebraska at Kearney |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Turned Pro | November 2012 |
| Net Worth | $3–$4 million |
| Salary (Base per Fight) | $600,000–$750,000 |
| Spouse | Eleslie Dietzsch |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Children | Daughter, Samirah Usman |
| Instagram Profile | @usman84kg |
Early Career
Kamaru Usman began wrestling in his sophomore year at Bowie High School in Texas, quickly excelling and finishing with a 53-3 record. After high school, he attended William Penn University but transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he became an NCAA Division II national wrestling champion. Despite aiming for the Olympics, injuries halted his wrestling path, leading him to pursue mixed martial arts in 2012.
Professional Career
Usman made his professional MMA debut in November 2012, quickly building a 5-1 record before joining The Ultimate Fighter 21 in 2015. He won the tournament, earning a UFC contract. Usman’s relentless wrestling and evolving striking propelled him up the ranks, culminating in his victory over Tyron Woodley in March 2019 to become the UFC welterweight champion.
He defended his title five times against top contenders like Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns, establishing a record-breaking 15-fight win streak in the division. Although he lost the title to Leon Edwards in 2022, Usman remains a respected and formidable competitor in the UFC.
Kamaru Usman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Kamaru Usman’s estimated net worth stands between $3 million and $4 million. His wealth comes from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, pay-per-view shares, and endorsement deals. Usman’s career earnings from fights alone are over $12 million, with his highest single payday coming from his title defenses and marquee bouts.
Fight Purses
| Date | Opponent | Event | Result | Base Salary | Win Bonus | PPV/Bonus/Sponsor | Total Earnings |
| 7/12/2015 | Hayder Hassan | TUF 21 Finale | Win | $10,000 | $10,000 | $52,500 | $72,500 |
| 12/19/2015 | Leon Edwards | UFC on Fox | Win | $12,000 | $12,000 | $2,500 | $26,500 |
| 11/30/2018 | Rafael Dos Anjos | TUF 28 Finale | Win | $75,000 | $75,000 | $55,000 | $205,000 |
| 3/2/2019 | Tyron Woodley | UFC 235 | Win | $350,000 | $0 | $805,000 | $1,155,000 |
| 12/14/2019 | Colby Covington | UFC 245 | Win | $500,000 | $0 | $290,000 | $790,000 |
| 7/11/2020 | Jorge Masvidal | UFC 251 | Win | $600,000 | $0 | $823,333 | $1,423,333 |
| 2/13/2021 | Gilbert Burns | UFC 258 | Win | $600,000 | $0 | $440,000 | $1,040,000 |
| 4/24/2021 | Jorge Masvidal | UFC 261 | Win | $600,000 | $0 | $942,000 | $1,542,000 |
| 11/6/2021 | Colby Covington | UFC 268 | Win | $1,000,000 | $0 | $892,000 | $1,892,000 |
| 8/20/2022 | Leon Edwards | UFC 278 | Loss | $500,000 | $0 | $462,000 | $962,000 |
| 3/18/2023 | Leon Edwards | UFC 286 | Loss | $1,000,000 | $0 | $32,000 | $1,032,000 |
| 10/21/2023 | Khamzat Chimaev | UFC 294 | Loss | $750,000 | $0 | $866,000 | $1,616,000 |
| 6/14/2025 | Joaquin Buckley | UFC Atlanta | TBD | $300,000 | $0 | – | $300,000 |
Endorsements
- Reebok
- Trifecta
Career Records
| Opponent | Date | Event | Result | Notes |
| Tyron Woodley | 3/2/2019 | UFC 235 | Win (Decision) | Won UFC Welterweight Title |
| Colby Covington | 12/14/2019 | UFC 245 | Win (TKO) | Title Defense |
| Jorge Masvidal | 7/11/2020 | UFC 251 | Win (Decision) | Title Defense |
| Gilbert Burns | 2/13/2021 | UFC 258 | Win (TKO) | Title Defense |
| Jorge Masvidal | 4/24/2021 | UFC 261 | Win (KO) | Title Defense |
| Colby Covington | 11/6/2021 | UFC 268 | Win (Decision) | Title Defense |
| Leon Edwards | 8/20/2022 | UFC 278 | Loss (KO) | Lost Title |
| Leon Edwards | 3/18/2023 | UFC 286 | Loss (Decision) | Trilogy Fight |
| Khamzat Chimaev | 10/21/2023 | UFC 294 | Loss (Decision) | Middleweight Debut |
FAQs
1. Who is Kamaru Usman?
Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler who competes in the UFC’s welterweight division and is a former UFC Welterweight Champion. He is also the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament.
2. What is Kamaru Usman’s MMA record?
As of June 2025, Kamaru Usman holds a professional MMA record of 21 wins and 4 losses.
3. What are Kamaru Usman’s most notable achievements in the UFC?
Usman became the first Nigerian-born UFC champion, defended the welterweight title five times, set the record for the most consecutive wins in UFC welterweight history (15), and won Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses multiple times.
4. When and where was Kamaru Usman born?
He was born on May 11, 1987, in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.
5. What is Kamaru Usman’s wrestling background?
Usman was a 2010 NCAA Division II national champion, a three-time NCAA Division II All-American, and a U.S. University World Team member in freestyle wrestling.
6. How did Kamaru Usman start his MMA career?
Usman began his MMA career in 2012 after transitioning from wrestling, winning his debut fight via TKO and eventually joining the UFC in 2015 by winning The Ultimate Fighter 21.
7. Who are some of Kamaru Usman’s most famous opponents?
He has fought and defeated notable fighters such as Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley, and Gilbert Burns.
8. What is Kamaru Usman’s fighting style?
Usman is known for his dominant wrestling, strong grappling, and effective striking, often using relentless pressure and control to outwork his opponents.
9. Has Kamaru Usman competed in any other weight classes?
Yes, Usman made his middleweight debut against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in October 2023.
10. What is Kamaru Usman’s nickname and how did he get it?
His nickname is “The Nigerian Nightmare,” a moniker originally trademarked by NFL star Christian Okoye, who gave Usman his blessing to use it.