Hello, mixed martial artist fans! If you love following the MMA and admire world-class, Oban Elliott is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Oban Elliott, known as “The Welsh Gangster,” is a rising welterweight MMA fighter from Wales making waves in the UFC. At 28 years old in 2026, he’s built a solid record with gritty performances that keep fans hooked.
Oban Elliott’s Biography
| Details | Information |
| Full Name | Oban Elliott |
| Nickname | “The Welsh Gangster” |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1997 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 28 years old |
| Nationality | Welsh (United Kingdom) |
| Religion | N/A |
| College/University | University of the West of England, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management |
| Height | 5’11” (180.34 cm) |
| Weight Class | Welterweight (170 lbs / 77 kg) |
| Reach | 72 inches (183 cm) |
| Turned Professional | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $300,000 to $350,000 |
| Salary/Fight Purse | Ranges from $12,000 to $24,000 per fight |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @obanelliott |
| Training Team | Shore Mixed Martial Arts Centre of Excellence |
| Fighting Stance | Orthodox |
Early Career
Elliott’s amateur MMA career was nothing short of impressive, with a reported 7-0 amateur record that included winning the British Challenge MMA Tournament championship at welterweight and earning the Cage Warriors amateur welterweight title on their second academy event.
His amateur success demonstrated his technical prowess and fighting intelligence. Elliott began his professional career in March 2019 after this exceptional amateur run. He initially competed in the lightweight division before discovering a heart condition that required medical attention.
Professional Career
Oban Elliott turned pro in 2019 and quickly made noise in Cage Warriors, starting with a TKO over Bouali Skikem and a RNC on James Lilley. He hit some bumps, like TKOs to Michal Figlak in 2020 and Madars Bertholds-Fleminas in 2021, but bounced back strong with a KO of George McManus and a sub of Herkus Lukosiunas in 2022. Wins over Matthew Bonner, Sean McCormac, and James Sheehan built his streak to 6-2 by mid-2023.
That momentum got him on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2023, where he edged Kaik Brito by majority decision to snag a UFC contract. Debut at UFC 298 in February 2024 against Valentine Woodburn went his way by unanimous decision. He kept rolling with decisions over Preston Parsons at UFC 304 in July 2024 and a wild third-round KO of Bassil Hafez at UFC 309 in November 2024—punches that had fans roaring.
2025 brought a dip with a unanimous decision loss to Seok Hyeon Ko at UFC on ABC 8 in June. Still, at 12-3 overall, Elliott’s got three KOs, three subs, and four first-round finishes. He trains relentlessly at Shore MMA, loves beer, darts, fast cars, and pro wrestling on the side. Losing his dad young drives him—he fights to honor that memory, chasing UFC gold one scrap at a time. His style? Aggressive, any-weight gangster vibes from the streets. (148 words)
Oban Elliott’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Oban Elliott’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $300,000 to $350,000. This wealth has been accumulated through his UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and various sponsorship deals. Elliott’s fight earnings have grown considerably since signing with the UFC. His base fight purses have ranged from $12,000 to $24,000, but bonuses significantly increase his earnings. Most notably, his Performance of the Night bonus at UFC 309 added $50,000 to his earnings for that single event. Beyond fight purses, Elliott generates income through sponsorship partnerships with brands like Weekend Offender, a luxury apparel company.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Date | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Performance Bonus | Total Earned |
| Valentine Woodburn | UFC 298 | February 17, 2024 | $10,000 | $10,000 | — | $20,000 |
| Preston Parsons | UFC 304 | July 27, 2024 | $18,000 | $18,000 | — | $36,000 |
| Bassil Hafez | UFC 309 | November 16, 2024 | $24,000 | — | $50,000 | $74,000 |
| Seok Hyeon Ko | UFC on ABC 8 (Baku) | June 21, 2025 | $24,000 | — | — | $24,000 |
| Jonathan Micallef | UFC 325 | January 31, 2026 | To be determined | To be determined | Pending | TBD |
Endorsements
- Weekend Offender – A primary apparel sponsor providing branded fight gear and casual clothing for Elliott’s public appearances and training content
- Ganymede – Early career sponsor that supported Elliott’s Dana White’s Contender Series appearance and continues as a valued partnership
- UFC and Performance Bonuses – Direct support through performance-based compensation that recognizes standout performances
- Merchandise and Personal Brand – Self-generated revenue through a personal clothing line featuring fight-specific designs and merchandise sold directly to fans
- Social Media Partnerships – Collaborations with fitness and supplement brands leveraging his growing Instagram following and content creation
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Date | Weight Class | Result | Method | Round | Time | Notes |
| Liam Shotbolt | Cage Warriors 91 | March 3, 2018 | Welterweight | Win | KO (Punch) | 1 | 1:01 | First-round knockout |
| Kye Stevens | Shock n Awe 26 | November 4, 2017 | Welterweight | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:52 | First-round finish |
| Craig Rawlins | CWFC 87 | October 14, 2017 | Welterweight | Win | KO (Punch) | 1 | 0:48 | Impressive first-round KO |
| George McManus | Cage Warriors 127 | September 30, 2021 | Welterweight | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 2:14 | UFC Apex fighter, first-round KO |
| Herkus Lukosiunas | Cage Warriors 138 | May 28, 2022 | Welterweight | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 2:37 | Strong grappling display |
| Madars Fleminas Bertholds | Cage Warriors 131 | December 10, 2021 | Welterweight | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 4:15 | Setback during regional run |
| Michal Figlak | Cage Warriors 114 | September 24, 2020 | Welterweight | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 3 | 2:47 | UFC-level opponent, valuable experience |
| Kaik Brito | Dana White’s Contender Series | August 22, 2023 | Welterweight | Win | Decision (Majority) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC contract-winning performance |
| Valentine Woodburn | UFC 298 | February 17, 2024 | Welterweight | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC debut victory |
| Preston Parsons | UFC 304 | July 27, 2024 | Welterweight | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Solid UFC performance |
| Bassil Hafez | UFC 309 | November 16, 2024 | Welterweight | Win | KO/TKO (Punches) | 3 | 0:40 | Madison Square Garden, Performance Bonus |
| Seok Hyeon Ko | UFC on ABC 8 | June 21, 2025 | Welterweight | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC debut opponent for Ko, major upset |
FAQs
1. What does the nickname “The Welsh Gangster” mean?
Elliott earned his nickname by adopting a fearless fighting mentality and willingness to take on opponents at any weight class and any time. In a UFC Q&A, he explained: “I got it by taking on anyone at any time at any weight!” The nickname reflects his street fighting background growing up and his relentless approach to combat sports.
2. How did Oban Elliott transition from a railway worker to a professional UFC fighter?
Before becoming a full-time fighter, Elliott worked as a trackman on the railway in Wales, maintaining railway infrastructure while pursuing his fighting career. His dedication to training while maintaining employment showcases his commitment to his dream. Once he earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, he transitioned to full-time professional fighting.
3. What is Oban Elliott’s striking style and fighting approach?
Elliott combines powerful striking with technical grappling. He trains in taekwondo (since age six) and possesses strong boxing fundamentals inherited from his amateur boxer father. His fighting style emphasizes aggressive offense, patience, and the ability to finish opponents. He’s earned four first-round finishes in his professional career, demonstrating his striking power and fight timing.
4. How does Elliott’s loss to Seok Hyeon Ko impact his UFC career trajectory?
While the loss was disappointing and unexpected, it serves as a learning experience for Elliott. Ko, a highly trained judoka with experience under elite coaches, exposed some weaknesses in Elliott’s wrestling defense. Rather than derailing his career, the defeat provides motivation and valuable insights for improvement. UFC analysts note that Ko’s subsequent victory after the Elliott fight validates the strength of Elliott’s opponent, suggesting Elliott faced a uniquely prepared challenger.
5. What is Elliott’s current Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ranking?
As of December 2024, Oban Elliott achieved the rank of brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He received this promotion from Richard Shore, the founder of Shore Mixed Martial Arts Centre of Excellence, which is Elliott’s primary training facility. This ranking represents several years of dedicated grappling training and technical development.
6. How does Elliott’s educational background influence his fighting?
Elliott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of the West of England. This educational foundation has contributed to his tactical approach to fighting and professional decision-making. His business acumen has also enabled him to develop personal merchandise and sponsorship deals, creating additional revenue streams beyond fight purses.
7. What makes Elliott’s knockout victory over Bassil Hafez particularly significant?
The knockout at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden was Elliott’s first finish in the UFC and occurred against an opponent with a strong professional record. The devastating right hand in the third round was executed with perfect timing and power, earning Elliott a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. This performance demonstrated his striking capacity and willingness to finish fights explosively at the highest level.
8. What are Elliott’s ambitions and career goals?
Elliott has been explicit about his championship aspirations. During his UFC 309 post-fight press conference, he stated that “the sky’s the limit” for his potential. He’s expressed interest in fighting high-profile opponents like Jorge Masvidal and has a detailed career path mapped out toward a potential UFC welterweight championship. Elliott views every fight as an opportunity to grow and improve with each weight cut, training camp, and competitive experience.
9. How does Elliott’s family support his fighting career?
Family is central to Elliott’s motivational narrative. He frequently credits his late father, an amateur boxer, with inspiring his fighting journey. Elliott has stated that he continues training to honor his father’s memory. His mother and extended family (including his grandmother and grandfather) are present at major fight events, and Elliott draws significant emotional strength from their support. He’s shared emotional moments about how important their pride and celebration of his accomplishments are to him.
10. What can we expect from Elliott in 2026 and beyond?
Elliott is focused on rebounding from his loss to Ko and establishing himself as a top-tier welterweight contender. His upcoming bout against Jonathan Micallef at UFC 325 on January 31, 2026, is a crucial opportunity to regain momentum. Looking forward, Elliott aims to secure victories against increasingly competitive opponents, position himself for potential title contention, and continue building his personal brand through sponsorships and merchandise. His aggressive approach and fighting intelligence suggest he could become a mainstay in welterweight title discussions within the next 2-3 years.