Sherdog Prospect Watch: Mohammed Usman

MohammedUsman...Kamaru's brother is also an MMA fighter. Heavyweight, KO-ed a guy a week ago. pic.twitter.com/lshb8IXiFQ

— Wale Gates (@walegates) December 28, 2019

Mohammed Usman will look to secure his spot on the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster when meets the undefeated Zac Pauga in “The Ultimate Fighter 30” heavyweight final as part of the UFC on ESPN 40 main card this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Usman enters his Octagon debut with a 7-2 record and a 71% finish rate, though he has done his damage against some less-than-stellar opposition.

Usman makes the most of his overwhelming physique by dominating his opponents with frightening power and unusual agility. No matter where the fight goes, the former college football player likes to be in control of the situation. “The Motor” generally finishes fights with strikes, as three of his victories have come by knockout or technical knockout. Usman also showcased some intriguing grappling skills in his first two pro bouts, scoring back-to-back submissions via kimura. The younger brother of current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, he has already proven he has the cardio necessary to go three full rounds, going 2-1 when pushed to go the distance.

Usman’s pro debut went down at Tachi Palace Fights 31 in May 2017, when he needed just 76 seconds to put away Derrick Williams with a kimura. His second assignment lasted a mere 68 seconds, as he turned to the kimura once more to dismiss Dante Harrell at TPF 32 three months later. Usman’s third appearance saw him smash Van Michael Palacio with punches 4:52 into the first round of their TPF 33 pairing on Nov. 2, 2017. His first real test took the form of a back-and-forth battle with Don’Tale Mayes, who was awarded a unanimous decision over Usman under the Victory Fighting Championship banner in April 2018.


After spending 11 months on the sidelines, Usman signed with Titan Fighting Championship and posted his first decision win against Frank Tate in his promotional debut at Titan 53. He followed the performance with a first-round technical knockout of Alexis Garcia at Titan 57 on Oct. 19, 2019, then knocked out Reggie Cato in 48 seconds at Titan 58 two months later; it remains Usman’s fastest finish to date. His stellar record and eye-catching skills drew the attention of the Professional Fighters League, which signed Usman for its ill-fated 2020 regular season. The coronavirus pandemic wiped out those plans, and Usman returned to compete at Titan 63, where he outpointed Terrance Hodges to a unanimous decision in August 2020. He eventually made his PFL debut on May 6, 2021, as he was choked unconscious by Brandon Sayles in his final appearance before being cast on “The Ultimate Fighter.”