Jimi Manuwa
| Jimi Manuwa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Samuel Babajimi Manuwa 18 February 1980 Sacramento, California, United States |
| Other names | Poster Boy |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st) |
| Division | Light Heavyweight |
| Reach | 79 in (201 cm) |
| Fighting out of | London, England |
| Team | Allstars Training Center Lions Pride MMA Keddles Gym Nova Forca UK |
| Rank | Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo da Silva |
| Years active | 2008-present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 18 |
| Wins | 16 |
| By knockout | 14 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Losses | 2 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Samuel Babajimi Manuwa (born 18 February 1980) is an English mixed martial artist, who competes in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of 11 April 2015, he is #5 in official UFC light heavyweight rankings.
Manuwa began training in mixed martial arts in 2007 following a weight lifting injury where he ruptured a chest muscle. He currently trains at Keddles Gym with Alan Keddle and Dino Miringou and at Nova Forca BJJ with Ricardo Da Silva.
Manuwa fought for the UCMMA name since his third fight, becoming the promotion's champion in his third fight under them. He has successfully defended his title 5 times, more than any other champion in the company, past or present.
During this time period, Manuwa famously turned down a contract offer from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, feeling it wasn't the right time in his career to accept it. He did state that reaching the UFC was his "ultimate goal" in the future. He was then offered to fight at the UFC 138 event, but also refused that one, citing that he hasn't competed since summer of 2010, and that "If he fought on the October card that would have been after a fifteen month layoff, which is not ideal under any circumstances. You do need to be fighting regularly to stay sharp..."
He successfully defend his title for the 5th time at UCMMA 24: Hands of War against Nick Chapman.
After defending his title a record 5th time, Manuwa signed a four-fight exclusive contract with BAMMA. He made his debut at BAMMA 8. He faced Frenchman Antony Rea and won the fight via TKO.
After turning down a UFC contract a few years ago, Manuwa signed with the promotion in July 2012.
Manuwa made his UFC debut against TUF 8 contestant Kyle Kingsbury at UFC on Fuel TV 5, winning after 2 rounds by TKO due to doctor stoppage. The stoppage was declared after Kingsbury's left eye had swollen shut.
For his second fight with the promotion, Manuwa faced Cyrille Diabaté on 16 February 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV: Barao vs. McDonald. Manuwa was declared the winner (TKO) after Diabaté was unable to continue after tearing a calf muscle near the end of the first round.
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Wikipedia