Hakeem Dawodu


Hakeem Dawodu is a Canadian mixed martial artist, currently signed to Ultimate Fighting Championship and fights in the Featherweight division. He previously competed for the World Series of Fighting. He is the #21 current Best Featherweight MMA Fighter in the world.

Early life

Dawodu was born in Calgary to a 14-year old mother from Nigeria and a father from Jamaica. When he was six years old, his father was deported, forcing his mother to raise him on her own. He had a troubled childhood; he was first placed in a juvenile detention center at the age of 14. Two years later, his counselor placed him in Muay Thai training as a means of controlling his anger.

Mixed martial arts career

His background is in Muay Thai, where he went 42–5 as an amateur and 9–0 as a pro.

World Series of Fighting

On February 21, 2014, Dawodu made his professional debut at against Behrang Yousefi. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
On June 7, 2014, Dawodu faced Jake Macdonald at. He won the fighting via knockout in the second round.
On October 11, 2014, Dawodu faced Mike Malott at. He won via technical knockout due to punches and elbows in the first round.
On February 11, 2015, Dawodu faced Tristan Johnson at. He won via technical knockout in the third round.
On June 5, 2015, Dawodu faced Chuka Willis at. He won via technical knockout due to knees and punches in the second round.
On December 18, 2015, Dawodu faced Marat Magomedov at. The fight ended in a majority draw.
On July 30, 2016, Dawodu faced Marat Magomedov at in a rematch. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.
On March 18, 2017, Dawodu faced UFC vet Steven Siler at. He won the fight via unanimous decision, this marked the first time he gained victory by decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On November 11, 2017, it was announced that Dawodu signed a four fight deal with the UFC.
Dawodu faced Danny Henry on March 17, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 127. He lost the fight via submission in the fight's opening minute.
Dawodu faced Austin Arnett on July 28, 2018 at UFC on Fox 30. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Dawodu faced Kyle Bochniak on December 8, 2018 at UFC 231. Dawodu won the fight via split decision.
Dawodu faced promotional newcomer Yoshinori Horie on July 27, 2019 at UFC 240 He won the fight via knockout in round three. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Dawodu faced Julio Arce on November 2, 2019 at UFC 244. He won the fight by split decision.
Dawodu is scheduled to face Zubaira Tukhugov on September 19, 2020 at UFC 253.

Championships and accomplishments

MMA
Muay Thai & Kickboxing
Professional
Amateur

Muay Thai & Kickboxing record