Jami Thompson
A former freestyle wrestler and renowned folkstyle wrestler, Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist. He is the current UFC Welterweight Champion and competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Early Years
The Nigerian Nightmare, also known as Kamaru Usman, was born on May 11th, 1987. He was born in Nigeria’s Auchi (Edo State).
He was the second child and second son of Deborah, a homemaker, and Mohammed Nasiru Usman, a soldier in the Nigerian army when he was born.
Along with his younger brother Mohammed, Kashetu, his older brother, and an unnamed younger sister, Usman was born and reared in Auchi.
Although Kamaru’s father didn’t make him play sports, he did want him to play baseball.
He used to assist his family with farming, going so far as to trek kilometers for water. He did have a difficult childhood.
Usman’s father immigrated to the country while Usman was still a young child in order to pursue a career as a pharmacist. However, Kamaru’s father quickly relocated his entire family to the United States.
When Kamaru was eight years old, in 1995 or the first quarter of 1996, his family immigrated to the US. He went to a nearby high school, which helped him get used to the new surroundings and culture.
View this post on Instagram
Education
Usman tried his hand at football while he was a student at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. He gave it his all to become a successful football player, but an injury forced him to give up.
On the advice of the school’s wrestling coach, Kamaru gave wrestling another go after that. He was physically suited for this sport.
Even though Kamaru was a tall, muscular man, he frequently lost against female opponents in the beginning of his training. However, the fighter nonetheless showed up for the workout. Instead, it fueled his desire to become a better wrestler.
You may also read about Jon Jones
Kamaru Usman College
Usman attended William Penn University, a private college in Oskaloosa, Iowa, after graduating from high school. Wrestling for the university, Kamaru earned a spot in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Despite having qualified, a significant snowfall prevented him from taking part in the competition.
Kamaru changed schools and enrolled at the University of Nebraska, a state-funded research university in Lincoln, Nebraska. He succeeded in making a name for himself at the new school, earning NCAA Division II All-American honors.
In addition, he assisted his university in winning its first overall team championship in 2008. Similar to this, Kamaru represented the United States on the University World Team for freestyle wrestling in 2010 while also winning the NCAA Division II championship.
Christian Okoye, a former player in the National Football League, gave Usman the moniker “The Nigerian Nightmare” after witnessing his outstanding performance.
Sports were a big part of Kamaru’s childhood, as were all of his siblings. Kashrut, the eldest sibling, played soccer at the University of South Carolina in college.
Similarly, Mohammed, the youngest son, played football for the University of Arizona. The youngest child, who was also the only child, participated in collegiate volleyball for Tarleton University.
Kamaru Usman Career
Usman was a fantastic wrestler with great technique and spirit, but having all of that did not help him financially. He chose MMA over wrestling since it paid better for him.
Usman met Rashad Evans, a former MMA fighter and UFC light heavyweight champion, while he was preparing for the 2012 Olympic trials. Kamaru first learned about the UFC’s employment opportunities from Rashad.
After that, Usman started his UFC career with Rashad’s support. Usman defeated David Glover at RFA 5 in Nebraska in November 2012, winning his debut UFC match.
He lost his second battle against Jose Caceres, which was his first and only defeat, despite the fact that his first fight had been victorious.
View this post on Instagram
Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington
After stealing the welterweight championship from Tyron, Kamaru received his first opportunity to defend it on December 14.
At UFC 245, Kamaru and Colby were scheduled to square off in the evening’s main event. The combat started, and the Nigerian Nightmare quickly established control.
With the exception of the fourth round, where Colby had a minor advantage over the Nigerian fighter, he did not allow Colby to outmatch him. However, that was short-lived because Kamaru prevailed in the fourth minute of the fifth round.
By Technical Knockout, he prevailed in the contest. The game was stunning and thrilling. Fight of the Night was given as a result. For their outstanding performances, both boxers received bonuses.
Net Worth
Kamaru’s estimated net worth of $3 million may be attributed to his UFC earnings, UFC title, and bonuses from the special events he competed in.
His pay was increased to $380,000 when he defeated Tyron Woodly in UFC 235. His current projected annual income is $590,000.
In addition to earning over $600,000 for his victory against Jorge Masvidal in UFC 261’s main event, The Nigerian Nightmare has earned over $2 million while competing for the UFC.
He makes a good bit of money through sponsorship deals in addition to his UFC salary. With the top sports brand Reebok, Kamaru has a paid collaboration. Trifecta has also given him their support.
When it comes to his home and personal life, Usman leans a little toward conservatism. Although he has never shown us his home, he has been bragging about his spectacular automobile collection, which includes a Rolls Royce Ghost and a Lamborghini Uru.
The Lamborghini he added to his collection starts at $210,000. Similarly, the Rolls Royce Ghost has a suggested retail price of about $250,000.
He also has a motorcycle in addition to exotic cars. Kamaru owns a Harley Davidson motorcycle, which is expensive. He has given the bike the moniker “Sharmain” and appears to be a car enthusiast.
Wife and Kids
In September 2021, Kumaru Usman and his Brazilian girlfriend Eleslie Dietzsch will get married.
Usman and Eleslie have been together for a long time; in 2014, the pair welcomed a lovely girl into the world. It is safe to infer that they have been dating since the beginning of the 2010s.
Samira Usman is the name the couple gave to their daughter. She was born in August 2014, making her 7 years old in 2022.
Since they like to keep their personal lives private, the two have not discussed their first date or how they met. However, based on their Instagram picture, the pair appears to be enjoying their union.
The girlfriend of Kamaru was born on November 22, 1986. She speaks Portuguese and is of Brazilian heritage.
Jose and Eunice were the parents of Eleslie, who was born as a daughter. Other than that, not much is known about her.
Kamaru Usman
Social Media Links
Instagram: 2.6 million followers
Facebook: 807k followers
Twitter: 648.2k followers
You may also read about Lei Macfarlane
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kamarudeen Usman |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1987 |
| Birth Place | Auchi, Nigeria |
| Nick Name | Marty, The Nigerian Nightmare |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Nationality | Nigerian and American |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Build | Athletic |
| Father’s Name | N/A |
| Mother’s Name | N/A |
| Siblings | Two brothers, Kashetu and Mohammed Usman, and a younger sister |
| Education |
|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Not Known |
| Kids | A daughter, Samirah |
| Profession | Mixed martial artist |
| Affiliations | Sanford MMA |
| Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Active Years | 2012-present |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
