Kamaru Usman is considered one of the UFC’s most dominant champions. He has held the welterweight title for over three years and has defended it several times. Fans around the world know him as “The Nigerian Nightmare” for what he does in the octagon, but not everyone knows the personal journey behind the former champion.
Kamaru Usman’s Parents, Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Usman was born on May 11, 1987, in Auchi, a town located in the southern part of Nigeria. Auchi is known for its rich culture. It is also where Auchi Polytechnic is located, one of Nigeria’s well-known educational institutions.
Usman spent his early childhood in Nigeria. When he was about eight years old, his family decided to move to the United States for a better life. Adjusting to a new life in America wasn’t easy, but it shaped Usman. However, he stayed and still continues to stay connected to his Nigerian roots.
‘As Africans, we fight for everything we have’
Kamaru Usman, also known as the Nigerian Nightmare, wants to be the UFC’s longest-reigning champion.
Though raised in the US, Kamaru was born in Nigeria, and he told BBC Africa he wants to represent his country and continent. pic.twitter.com/bdSeWDQkLG
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) February 10, 2021
The UFC star has dual nationality—Nigerian-American. However, Usman always makes sure to represent his Nigerian roots more, as he is often seen carrying the national flag and wearing its colors on his face during ceremonial weigh-ins. This has also made him one of the sport’s global ambassadors.
Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, with the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo being the biggest. Usman’s family represents a broad mix of different ethnic groups.
Usman’s father is Muslim, and his mother is Christian. Although he hasn’t spoken directly about his religious beliefs, he has been seen in churches and praising Allah. It suggests that the fighter could be a follower of both religions because of his parents.
Usman’s Early Life, Family, and MMA Journey
Kamaru’s parents, Muhammed Nasiru Usman and Afishetu P. Usman, played a big role in shaping his character and his sports career. “The Nigerian Nightmare” has two brothers- Kashetu and Mohammed. The latter currently fights in the heavyweight division of the UFC.
Afishetu was a teacher in Nigeria, while Muhammed was a major in the Nigerian Army. Later, he became a pharmacist in the U.S., and that was when they decided to relocate to Dallas, Texas.
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Moving to a new country wasn’t easy for the Usman family. Like many immigrants, they had to adjust to a new culture, learn a new language, and establish themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Kamaru’s father got involved in legal troubles because of theft and drunk driving. He was later found guilty of health care fraud and money laundering, was even sentenced to 15 years in prison, and ordered to repay $1.3 million.
“Specifically, the jury found Usman guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 12 counts of health care fraud, and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity,” the court order from the U.S. Department of Justice read.
Even with all these challenges, Usman stayed close to his father. He visited him often in prison and always believed in his innocence. Muhammed was finally released on March 16, 2021.
The UFC star has managed to keep his personal life away from the limelight. However, it is known that Usman is married to Eleslie Dietzsch, a Brazilian entrepreneur. The fighter doesn’t share any posts about his married life on social media. However, Dietzsch was present during UFC 261 when Usman fought Jorge Masvidal for the second time and defended his welterweight title.
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The couple also welcomed a daughter, Samirah Usman, in 2014. She also has an Instagram account, which is managed by her elders.
Usman was exposed to properly organized sports in Texas, which started building up his passion. He first started with wrestling and eventually became a three-time NCAA All-American when he was studying at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
After graduating, he tried to pursue wrestling and aimed for the Olympics. However, he couldn’t get selected for the 2012 U.S. team, so the Nigerian decided to look at MMA. He trained under coach Henri Hooft, along with top fighters like Rashad Evans and Anthony Johnson, and learned BJJ and kickboxing.
Usman made his professional MMA debut in November 2012 at Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA). He then fought in promotions like Championship Fighting Alliance, Victory FC, and Legacy FC. He ultimately made it to the UFC when he won TUF 21 in 2015.
From July 2015 to November 2021, Usman didn’t suffer a single loss in the UFC. He became one of the most successful welterweight champions, defending the title five times.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” is the first African-born UFC champion and has since inspired many fighters from the continent to dream big.