Hayder Hassan


Hayder Hassan is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes at Brave Combat Federation. A professional competitor since 2009, he has competed for the UFC, Strikeforce, Titan FC, King of the Cage, the Xtreme Fighting Championships, and was a contestant on as well as.

Background

Born and raised in Florida, Hassan and his family were refugees from Baghdad, Iraq who relocated in 1977. His father, who was a physician, personally trekked from their home in Iraq to an American embassy. Hassan attended Cardinal Gibbons High School, where he was a standout in wrestling and football before graduating from Florida State University after which he had planned to attend medical school and majored in sociology. However, after leaving his job as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical firm, he transitioned to a career in MMA and began training at the American Top Team academy in Coconut Creek.

Mixed martial arts career

''The Ultimate Fighter''

Hassan competed on the 21st season of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter, representing American Top Team and making it to the final. In his first fight he defeated Andrews Nakahara via TKO in the first round. In his second fight he defeated Felipe Portela by majority decision. In his third fight he faced Vicente Luque and won via split decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Hassan made his debut with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on July 12, 2015 against Kamaru Usman at . He lost the bout via submission in the second round.
Hassan next faced former opponent Vicente Luque at UFC on Fox 17 on December 19, 2015. He lost the fight via technical submission in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.

''The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption''

In February 2017, it was revealed that Hassan would compete again on the UFC's reality show in the 25th season on . Hassan was the fifth pick overall for Team Garbrandt. He faced Dhiego Lima in the opening round and lost by unanimous decision. He defeated former world title contender Joe Stevenson by knockout in the wildcard bout.

Mixed martial arts record

Mixed martial arts exhibition record