The Nightmare: How Usman used opponent to earn N858m

Kamaru Usman, the UFC welterweight champion is gradually climbing up the financial ladder since making his debut in the Mixed Martial Arts franchise in 2015. In this report, Kelvin Ekerete looks at the Nigerian’s career earning and win ratio

The “Nigerian Nightmare” has won the heart of fans and fellow fighters around the world with a perfect record in the UFC, going unbeaten in 12 fights, only lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, ties his record as the only other fighter with a 100 per cent record in the franchise after 12 fights.

Despite his impeccable record, Usman is not on the list of the Top 1 earning UFC fighters, but the Nigerian has managed to earn a total $2,212,500 (N858,450,000), despite his humble beginnings where he started with just $22,500, after his first win in 2015.

Usman vs Hayder Hassan

Event: TUF 21, July 12, 2015

Win type: Submission

(arm-triangle choke), (Round 2, 1:19)

Earning: $72,500 ($10,000 to show, $10,000 win bonus, $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, $2,500 Reebok sponsorship)

Usman’s win over Hayder Hassan was rated the fight of the night. The Nigerian Nightmare defeated his opponent in the second round via submission, using the arm-triangle choke till his opponent tapped out, conceding defeat. He earned $50,000 more for his performance.

Usman vs Leon Edwards

Event: UFC on Fox, Dec 19, 2015

Win type: Decision (unanimous)

Earning: $26,500 ($12,000 to show, $12,000 win bonus, $2,500 Reebok sponsorship

Edwards and Usman’s bout was decided via unanimous decision after three rounds of action. The Nigerian beat his opponent on all of the three judges’ cards, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 to win his second fight of the UFC franchise.

Usman vs Alexander Yakovlev

Event: UFC on Fox, July 23, 2016

Win type: Decision (unanimous)

Earning: $44,500 ($21,000 to show, $21,000 to show, $2,500 Reebok sponsorship)

It was one-way traffic for Usman over three rounds with Alexander Yakovlev.

Usman turned Yakovlev into a grappling dummy, grinding him out in top position and punishing him with elbows to pick up a one-sided decision at United Center in Chicago.

The final scores were unanimously 30-25 for “The Ultimate Fighter 21” winner Usman.