Dawodu is known for his striking abilities, which are heavily influenced by his Muay Thai background. His record is 13 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw as of 2024.
This article teaches you about Hakeem Dawodu’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Hakeem Dawodu’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hakeem Tyrone Dawodu |
| Nickname | “Mean” |
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1991 |
| Age | 33 |
| Place of Birth | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight Class | Featherweight |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Turned Pro | 2014 |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated $500,000 – $1 million |
| Salary (Recent) | Varies per fight; UFC pays $20K-$50K/fight on average |
| Spouse/Partner | – |
| Relationship Status | Unknown |
| Instagram Handle | @mean_hakeem |
Early Career
Hakeem Dawodu grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where he discovered a passion for combat sports as a teenager.
By 2012, he was a decorated Muay Thai fighter, winning championships at the Pan American Muaythai Union and competing in international tournaments.
His successful transition to mixed martial arts in 2014 showcased his striking skills, which became his signature style.
Professional Career
Dawodu began his professional MMA career with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) in 2014, building an undefeated streak with notable wins and dynamic striking performances.
His explosive techniques earned him a UFC contract 2017, debuting against Danny Henry in 2018.
Despite a rocky start, Dawodu solidified his reputation with victories over fighters like Yoshinori Horie and Zubaira Tukhugov, leveraging his Muay Thai expertise.
As of 2024, Dawodu is a seasoned UFC featherweight competitor who aims for higher rankings and a potential title shot.
Hakeem Dawodu’s Net Worth Details
Hakeem Dawodu’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 – $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Dawodu’s UFC contract includes standard terms for up-and-coming fighters, with base pay between $20,000 and $50,000 per fight, win bonuses, and performance incentives.
Fight Purses
| Fight Opponent | Event | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Zubaira Tukhugov | UFC 253 (2020) | $70,000 |
| Julio Arce | UFC 244 (2019) | $55,000 |
| Yoshinori Horie | UFC 240 (2019) | $50,000 |
| Movsar Evloev | UFC 263 (2021) | $40,000 |
| Cub Swanson | UFC on ESPN (2023) | $35,000 |
Career Records
| Fight Record | Method | Opponent | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Split Decision | Zubaira Tukhugov | UFC 253 | Sep 27, 2020 |
| Win | TKO (Head Kick) | Yoshinori Horie | UFC 240 | Jul 27, 2019 |
| Loss | Unanimous Decision | Movsar Evloev | UFC 263 | Jun 12, 2021 |
| Loss | Unanimous Decision | Cub Swanson | UFC on ESPN | Aug 12, 2023 |
FAQs
1. Who is Hakeem Dawodu?
Hakeem Dawodu is a Canadian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s Featherweight division. Born on July 2, 1991, in Calgary, Canada, he is known by his nickname “Mean Hakeem” and trains with Champion’s Creed MMA. He has a professional MMA record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.
2. What is Hakeem Dawodu’s fighting background?
Dawodu started with Taekwondo as a child, then boxing in junior high, before seriously pursuing Muay Thai kickboxing. He has an extensive background in kickboxing with over 70 fights before transitioning to MMA. He was first introduced to martial arts while on probation as a form of anger management.
3. How did Hakeem Dawodu get into MMA?
Dawodu began training at Mike Miles Muay Thai gym in Calgary while on probation. His probation officer recommended martial arts as a way to manage his anger. He quickly showed natural fighting abilities, winning fights within three months of starting training and eventually signing with the UFC in 2017.
4. What are Hakeem Dawodu’s notable achievements?
He has won the World Muaythai Council Intercontinental Welterweight Championship in 2014 and was the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur Pan American Muaythai Union Super lightweight Champion in 2012. In the UFC, he has earned a Performance of the Night bonus.
5. What is Hakeem Dawodu’s fighting style?
Dawodu is known as a striker with a Muay Thai background. He is nicknamed “Mean Hakeem” and is recognized for his heavy right hand, punishing liver shots, and ability to knockout opponents. His fighting philosophy is straightforward: “I got no BS. I just go straight for the knockout.”
