Jimi Manuwa

Babajimi Abiola “Jimi” Manuwa is a British-Nigerian mixed martial artist who was born on the 18th of February 1980. He fights in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.

Manuwa was born in California by parents of Yoruba descent. He spent his early years in Nigeria before his family moved to London at the age of 10. MTW UK did a documentary on mixed martial arts that featured Manuwa and Jack Marshman among others. Jimi Manuwa served a prison sentence between 2002 and 2003 for his involvement in a burglary ring.

Manuwa started training MMA in 2007, after he ruptured a chest muscle.

Jimi Manuwa’s career before the UFC

Jimi Manuwa made his MMA debut in July of 2008 and won by knockout in the first round. After going 4-0 he got the chance to fight of the UC MMA title. He won the title by TKO in the first round and defended his title five times, all by KO/TKO.

After a successful BAMMA debut he got signed to the UFC and made his debut 2012.

Jimi Manuwa’s career before the UFC

Jimi Manuwa made his UFC debut against tough competitor Kyle Kingsbury. Manuwa battered Kingsbury for 2 rounds until the doctor stopped it before the last round started. He posted 2 more TKO wins against Cyrille Diabate and Ryan Jimmo before his first loss to future teammate Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson.

After the defeat Manuwa started training at All Stars Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden.

Manuwa rebounded with a victory over Jan Blachowicz before he was knocked out by now-retired Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Manuwa once again rebounded and posted victories over Ovince Saint Preux and Cory “Overtime” Anderson before losin by KO to rising superstar Volkan “No Time” Oezdemir.