From UNK alum to UFC champ

KEARNEY, Neb. – Former Nebraska-Kearney All-American wrestler Kamarudeen “Marty” Usman won the UFC welterweight (170 pound) title Saturday in Las Vegas.

Usman, now going by Kamaru, won via unanimous decision over Tyron Woodley in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) 235. The win pushes his career record to 15-1.

The 31-year old becomes the first African born UFC champ as he hails from Benin City, Nigeria. Usman came to the U.S. when he was eight years old and then graduated high school in Arlington, Texas.

​As a Loper between 2008-2010, Usman wrestled at 174 pounds where he placed third, second and first at the NCAA Division II Championships.

Beginning his career at NAIA William Penn (Ia.) University, he is one of 16 UNK wrestlers to win an NCAA or NAIA individual national title and one of only 11 to be a three-time All-American.

Finally, Usman posteda 115-18 career record (86.5 win pct.) in Kearney, the second best for a three-year team member, and was part of the 2008 national championship squad.

No details have been obtained about Kamaru’s next UFC bout.