Jimi Manuwa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jimi Manuwa
Manuwa in 2014
Born	Babajimi Abiola Manuwa (1980-02-18) 18 February 1980 (age 45) Sacramento, California, United States
Other names	Poster Boy
Residence	London, England, United Kingdom
Nationality	British
Ethnicity	Yoruba
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st)
Division	Light heavyweight
Reach	79+1⁄2 in (202 cm)
Fighting out of	London, England, United Kingdom
Team	Allstars Training Center Lions Pride MMA Keddles Gym Nova Força UK
Rank	Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo da Silva
Years active	2008–2019 (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total	23
Wins	17
By knockout	15
By submission	1
By decision	1
Losses	6
By knockout	5
By decision	1

Babajimi Abiola "Jimi" Manuwa (born on February 18, 1980) is a British retired mixed martial artist. He was born in America and competed in the light heavyweight division. He was well-known for his powerful punches and exciting fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Early Life and Background

Jimi Manuwa was born in California, USA. When he was three, his family moved to Nigeria. His family has important connections there; his grandfather was a famous doctor and a chief. His great-great-grandfather was even a king!

When Jimi was ten, he moved to London, England. As a teenager, he faced some challenges and did not finish school. He later spent some time in prison. This experience motivated him to change his life and focus on positive goals.

Starting His MMA Journey

Jimi Manuwa began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2007. He started after he hurt a chest muscle while lifting weights. MMA combines different fighting styles like boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. Jimi trained at Keddles Gym and Nova Força BJJ, learning from experienced coaches.

Fighting in UCMMA

Jimi started his professional fighting career with a promotion called UCMMA. He quickly became their champion in the light heavyweight division. He was very successful, defending his title five times. This was more than any other champion in the company's history!

During this time, Jimi was offered a contract to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The UFC is the biggest MMA organization in the world. However, Jimi decided to wait, feeling it wasn't the perfect time. He wanted to be fully ready for such a big step. He knew the UFC was his "ultimate goal."

Moving to BAMMA

After his great success at UCMMA, Jimi signed a contract with another fighting promotion called BAMMA. He made his debut at BAMMA 8 in December 2011. He won his first fight there by TKO, which means "Technical Knockout." This happens when the referee stops the fight because one fighter can't safely continue.

His Time in the UFC

In July 2012, Jimi Manuwa finally signed with the UFC. This was a big moment in his career.

Early UFC Wins

Jimi's first UFC fight was in September 2012. He won by TKO because his opponent's eye was too swollen to continue. In his next two fights, his opponents had to stop due to leg injuries. This showed how powerful Jimi's attacks were.

Facing Tough Opponents

In March 2014, Jimi faced Alexander Gustafsson, a top fighter. Jimi lost this fight by TKO in the second round. Even though he lost, both fighters received a "Fight of the Night" bonus because it was such an exciting match!

After being away from fighting for over a year due to an injury, Jimi returned in April 2015. He fought Jan Błachowicz and won by a unanimous decision. This was the first time in his MMA career that one of his fights went all three rounds, meaning the judges had to decide the winner.

Jimi then faced Anthony Johnson in September 2015. He lost this fight by knockout (KO) in the second round. A knockout means a fighter is hit so hard they can't continue.

More Exciting Fights

In October 2016, Jimi fought Ovince Saint Preux. He won this fight by knockout in the second round. He also earned a "Performance of the Night" bonus for his impressive win.

In March 2017, Jimi had another main event fight against Corey Anderson. He won by knockout in the first round with a powerful punch. This earned him another "Performance of the Night" bonus.

Jimi continued to face strong opponents like Volkan Oezdemir and Jan Błachowicz again. He lost these fights but always put on a brave performance. His rematch with Jan Błachowicz in March 2018 was so good that both fighters received another "Fight of the Night" bonus.

Retirement from Fighting

Jimi Manuwa had his last fight in June 2019. He announced his retirement from mixed martial arts just a few days later. He finished his career with an impressive record of 17 wins and 6 losses.

Personal Life

Jimi Manuwa's parents are from Nigeria, but he was born in California. He spent his early childhood in Nigeria before moving to London at age ten.

In 2014, Jimi supported PETA's "Ink Not Mink" campaign. This campaign encourages people not to wear fur. Jimi showed off his tattoos for the cause.

Jimi's journey from facing challenges in his youth to becoming a top MMA fighter shows how dedication and hard work can lead to great success.

Championships and Awards

Jimi Manuwa earned several awards and championships during his MMA career:

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Fight of the Night (Two times): This award is given for the most exciting fight of the event.
  • Performance of the Night (Two times): This award is given for an outstanding individual performance.
  • UFC.com Awards:
    • 2018: Ranked #7 Fight of the Year (for his fight against Thiago Santos)

• Ultimate Challenge MMA
  • UCMMA Light heavyweight Championship (One time): He was the first champion in this division for UCMMA.
  • Five successful title defenses: He held onto his championship belt five times.

• MMAjunkie.com
  • 2018 Round of the Year (Round 1): For an exciting first round against Thiago Santos.
  • 2018 December Fight of the Month: Also for his fight against Thiago Santos.

Mixed Martial Arts Record Summary

Images for kids

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  Jimi Manuwa in 2014

See also

In Spanish: Jimi Manuwa para niños

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists