Kamaru Usman, known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” is one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. He ruled the welterweight division for years and remains a top earner in the sport.
Fans love his wrestling skills and powerful striking. As of 2026, he continues to make headlines with big fights and massive paychecks.
In this article, you will know Kamaru Usman’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Kamaru Usman’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kamarudeen Usman |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1987 |
| Age | 38 |
| Education | University of Nebraska at Kearney |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $4 Million – $6 Million |
| Career Earnings | ~$12.5 Million |
| Partner | Eleslie Dietzsch |
| Instagram Profile | @usman84kg |
| Twitter Profile | @USMAN84kg |
Early Career
Kamaru Usman was born in Auchi, Nigeria. His father was in the army and his mother was a teacher. When he was eight years old, his family moved to the United States to start a new life. They settled in Texas, where young Kamaru faced some challenges fitting in due to the language barrier.
He found his passion in wrestling during high school. He was very talented and compiled an amazing record of 53-3 in his senior year.
After high school, he went to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. There, he became a collegiate wrestling star. He won the NCAA Division II national championship at 174 pounds in 2010.
This wrestling background gave him the perfect base for mixed martial arts. After college, he decided to switch to MMA and began training to become a professional fighter. His hard work quickly paid off as he started winning local fights.
Professional Career
Usman turned professional in 2012 and won his first fight by TKO. He built a strong reputation and was selected for The Ultimate Fighter reality show in 2015. He won the tournament, which earned him a contract with the UFC.
From there, he went on an incredible winning streak. He used his wrestling to control opponents and his striking improved every year.
In 2019, he defeated Tyron Woodley to become the UFC Welterweight Champion. He defended his belt five times against top stars like Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.
He was ranked as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world for a long time. Although he lost his title to Leon Edwards in 2022 and had a tough rematch, he remained a top contender.
Most recently, he bounced back into the win column. In June 2025, Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision at UFC Atlanta, proving he is still an elite fighter.
Wife
Kamaru Usman’s was in a committed, long-term relationship with Eleslie Dietzsch. Eleslie is of Brazilian and Portuguese descent and is known for being extremely private.
Although fans and media outlets often referred to her as his “wife,” the couple never publicly confirmed a marriage.
They were together for over a decade and she was frequently seen supporting him during his rise to the top of the welterweight division.
Kamaru Usman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kamaru Usman has an estimated net worth of roughly $4 million to $6 million. His wealth comes from his high fight purses, pay-per-view bonuses, and sponsorship deals.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Result | Est. Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquin Buckley | UFC Fight Night (2025) | Win | $500,000 |
| Khamzat Chimaev | UFC 294 | Loss | $750,000 |
| Leon Edwards 3 | UFC 286 | Loss | $1,032,000 |
| Leon Edwards 2 | UFC 278 | Loss | $962,000 |
| Colby Covington 2 | UFC 268 | Win | $1,892,000 |
| Jorge Masvidal 2 | UFC 261 | Win | $1,542,000 |
| Gilbert Burns | UFC 258 | Win | $1,040,000 |
| Jorge Masvidal 1 | UFC 251 | Win | $1,423,333 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Total Earnings (Est.) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $500,000 |
| 2023 | $1,782,000 |
| 2022 | $962,000 |
| 2021 | $4,474,000 |
| 2020 | $1,423,333 |
| 2019 | $1,945,000 |
| 2018 | $315,000 |
Endorsements
Kamaru Usman makes extra money outside of the cage through brand deals. He is a brand ambassador for MelBet, a large betting company, which is a major partnership for him in Africa.
He also has a deal with Gorilla Wear, a bodybuilding clothing brand that fits his muscular physique.
In the past, he has worked with Trifecta Nutrition and appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for T-Mobile. As a top UFC star, he also wears the official fight kit from Venum and promotes Crypto.com as part of the UFC’s general sponsorship structure.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 25 |
| Wins | 21 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Knockouts (KO/TKO) | 9 |
| Submissions | 1 |
| Decision Wins | 11 |
FAQs
1. What is Kamaru Usman’s current net worth?
Based on sources, Kamaru Usman has a net worth between $4 million and $6 million. Most of this money comes from his big fights as a UFC champion.
2. Who is Kamaru Usman’s wife or girlfriend?
Kamaru is in a long-term relationship with Eleslie Dietzsch. She is a Brazilian woman, and they have a daughter together named Samirah. They are not publicly married.
3. Did Kamaru Usman win his last fight in 2025?
Yes, he won his last fight. He defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision on June 14, 2025, at a UFC Fight Night event in Atlanta.
4. How many children does Kamaru Usman have?
He has one child, a daughter named Samirah. She was born in 2014 and often watches her father train and fight at UFC events.
5. Is Kamaru Usman still fighting in the UFC?
Yes, he is still an active fighter on the UFC roster. After his win against Buckley, he remains a top contender in the welterweight division.
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