Lyman Good, known as the “American Cyborg” in the world of mixed martial arts, was born on May 26, 1985, in Spanish Harlem, New York City.
In this article, you will learn about Lyman Good’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Lyman Good’s Biography
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lyman Merrill Good |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Spanish Harlem, New York City |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Division | Welterweight |
| Fighting Style | Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Team | Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts |
Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Good faced numerous challenges that shaped his character and future career.
Early Career
Good’s journey in combat sports began in his teens. He showed exceptional talent in various disciplines, including wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
His natural abilities, combined with a relentless work ethic, set the stage for a successful transition into professional mixed martial arts.
Professional Career
In 2005, at the age of 20, Good made his professional MMA debut at the Ring of Combat promotion. His early career was marked by resilience and determination.
In just his second fight, against John Zecchino, Good fractured his hand at the beginning of the match.
His UFC debut came on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71, where he defeated Andrew Craig via knockout in the second round.
Wife
Lyman Good has been in a long-term relationship with Kaitlin Nowak.
The couple has a daughter named Riley, who has been a significant source of motivation for Good in his career.
Lyman Good’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Lyman Good’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million.
Career Earnings
| Event | Opponent | Result | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 244 | Chance Rencountre | Win | $70,000 (incl. win bonus) |
| UFC 230 | Ben Saunders | Win | $66,000 (incl. win bonus) |
| UFC on Fox 25 | Elizeu dos Santos | Loss | $41,000 (incl. Fight of the Night bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night 71 | Andrew Craig | Win | $20,000 (incl. win bonus) |
Fight Records
| Date | Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2020 | Belal Muhammad | UFC Fight Night | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Nov 2, 2019 | Chance Rencountre | UFC 244 | Win | TKO (Punches) | 3 | 2:03 |
| Feb 2, 2019 | Demian Maia | UFC Fight Night | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Nov 3, 2018 | Ben Saunders | UFC 230 | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 1:32 |
| Jul 22, 2017 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | UFC on Fox 25 | Loss | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Jul 15, 2015 | Andrew Craig | UFC Fight Night 71 | Win | KO (Punches) | 2 | 3:37 |
| May 9, 2015 | Nah-Shon Burrell | CFFC 48 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Feb 7, 2015 | Micah Terrill | CFFC 45 | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:09 |
| Nov 1, 2014 | Jonavin Webb | CFFC 43 | Draw | Draw (Majority) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Jul 19, 2014 | Matt Secor | CFFC 38 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Oct 26, 2013 | Dante Rivera | CFFC 28 | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 3:47 |
| Apr 13, 2012 | LeVon Maynard | Bellator 65 | Win | KO (Punch) | 1 | 0:13 |
| Apr 2, 2011 | Rick Hawn | Bellator 39 | Loss | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Mar 5, 2011 | Chris Lozano | Bellator 35 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Oct 21, 2010 | Ben Askren | Bellator 33 | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Jun 11, 2009 | Omar De La Cruz | Bellator 11 | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:47 |
FAQs
1. Who is Lyman Good?
Lyman Good, also known as “The American Cyborg,” is a professional mixed martial artist from Spanish Harlem, New York City. Born on May 26, 1985, he is best known for being the inaugural Bellator Welterweight Champion and competing in the UFC’s welterweight division. He is also a martial arts instructor.
2. What are Lyman Good’s major achievements in MMA?
Lyman Good became the first Bellator Welterweight Champion in 2009, showcasing his dominance with a TKO victory in the finals. He has a professional MMA record of 21 wins, including 11 by knockout and 3 by submission. He has also competed in high-profile UFC events.
3. How did Lyman Good start his martial arts journey?
Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Spanish Harlem, Lyman’s mother encouraged him to join martial arts to channel his energy positively. At age 16 or 17, he joined Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts and quickly fell in love with the discipline, which shaped his career and life.
4. What challenges has Lyman Good faced in his life and career?
Lyman faced a tough upbringing in poverty and gang violence. He also struggled with depression after his father’s death and overcame significant injuries during his career. Despite these setbacks, he emerged as a mental health advocate and a role model for resilience.
5. What is Lyman Good’s fighting style?
Lyman Good is known for his explosive striking, technical grappling, and relentless work ethic. With an orthodox stance and a 74-inch reach, he combines Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills with powerful striking to dominate opponents in the welterweight division.
6. Has Lyman Good been involved in coaching?
Yes, Lyman is a dedicated martial arts instructor at Tiger Schulmann’s Chelsea location in New York City. He values teaching as much as competing, using his experience to inspire and mentor aspiring fighters while balancing his own training.
7. What is the “Good Theory” project?
The “Good Theory” is Lyman Good’s initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues. Inspired by his own struggles with depression, the project focuses on promoting resilience and mental wellness through advocacy and community engagement.
8. What was Lyman Good’s most notable fight?
One of Lyman’s most notable fights was winning the Bellator Welterweight Championship in 2009 by defeating Omar De La Cruz via TKO. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career as he became the first champion in Bellator history.
9. How does Lyman Good prepare for fights?
Lyman follows unique pre-fight rituals, such as creating a cold, dark environment the night before weigh-ins to mentally focus. On fight day, he opens blinds to let sunlight energize him as part of his preparation process for competition.
10. What impact has Lyman Good had outside of fighting?
Beyond MMA, Lyman is admired for his contributions as an instructor and mental health advocate. He inspires others through his story of overcoming adversity and remains committed to giving back to his community through teaching and mentorship programs.
