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Ramsey Nijem

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Ramsey Nijem
BornRamsey Nijem[1]
(1988-04-01) April 1, 1988 (age 36)
Concord, California, United States
Other namesStripper
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
Weight171 lb (78 kg; 12.2 st)
DivisionLightweight
Welterweight
Reach74 in (190 cm)
StyleWrestling, Kajukenbo
Fighting out ofOrem, Utah
TeamThe Pit (until 2013, 2016–present)[3]
Empower MMA (2013–2016)[3]
WrestlingNCAA Division I wrestling[4]
Years active2008–2021
Mixed martial arts record
Total19
Wins10
By knockout3
By submission2
By decision5
Losses9
By knockout4
By submission3
By decision2
UniversityUtah Valley University
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Pedro Ramsey Nijem[1] (Arabic: رامزي نجم, born April 1, 1988) is an American retired mixed martial artist. A professional MMA competitor from 2008 to 2021, Nijem is perhaps best known for his 10-fight stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[5] He was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos and also competed in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).[6]

Early life

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A Palestinian American,[7] Nijem was born in Concord, California, but raised in Mill Creek, Washington, with two brothers.[8] He attended Henry M. Jackson High School from 2002 through 2006. During those years, Nijem was a part of his high school's soccer, cross-country, and wrestling teams. His senior season in wrestling he went 27-5 and earned "Wrestler of the Year" honors. He was also wrestling captain for his junior and senior seasons.[8]

After high school, Nijem enrolled in Utah Valley University, also wrestling for the school. Nijem graduated with a degree in business management in 2010.[9]

MMA career

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Nijem began his training with Riven Academy of MMA in 2008. Electing to skip an amateur career, Nijem made his pro debut April 18, 2008, defeating Ryan Miller via first round rear-naked choke submission. After taking a nineteen-month hiatus from the sport, he returned losing to Gordon Bell via an armbar submission only 21 seconds into the first round.

Only a month after his first loss he defeated Logan Hancock via unanimous decision, bring his professional record to 2-1. Ramzi recorded his first TKO win in April 2010, defeating Eric Uresk at Showdown Fights: Burkman vs. Paul. He made his lightweight debut against Scott Casey, winning the fight via first round submission.

In June, 2011 at his UFC debut at the TUF 13 finale, Nijem walked out to the Matisyahu song "One Day." His choice of music was significant due to Nijem's Palestinian background and Matisyahu's Orthodox Jewish background, and the moment has been recognized for its "diplomatic initiative and message centered on peace."[10]

Ramzi is now the Head MMA Coach at Ultimate Combat Training Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ramzi is also the Coach of the Fight Team there, and trains many fighters that compete in and around the state of Utah, and beyond.

The Ultimate Fighter

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In 2011, Nijem had signed with the UFC to compete in The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos.

Nijem was picked fourth on Team dos Santos and eighth overall. In the fourth preliminary match-up, Nijem was selected to fight Bellator veteran, Charlie Rader. In the first round Nijem controlled the fight by putting Rader on the fence, and obtaining a few last minute take downs. In the second round Nijem was able to take Rader down early and lock in a fight ending rear naked choke.[11]

Nijem was selected to fight Clay Harvison in the quarterfinals. Nijem went on to win the fight by rear naked choke less than a minute in. In the semifinals, Nijem fought Chris Cope, defeating him via TKO in round two. The win moved him into the live finale for the chance to become the winner of The Ultimate Fighter.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Nijem made his official UFC debut on June 4, 2011, at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale against Tony Ferguson to crown the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 13. Nijem lost the bout via KO in the first round after getting caught flush by a left hook. After the bout Nijem signed a nine-fight contract with the UFC.[12]

Nijem defeated Danny Downes on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137 via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-27).[13]

Nijem was expected to face Anthony Njokuani on December 30, 2011, at UFC 141.[14] However, Nijem was forced out of the bout, citing an injury and replaced by Danny Castillo.[15]

Nijem faced promotional newcomer C.J. Keith on June 22, 2012, at UFC on FX 4.[16] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.

Nijem faced Joe Proctor on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5.[17] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nijem faced Myles Jury on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.[18] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

Nijem fought James Vick on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 26.[19] He lost the fight via submission at 58 seconds in the first round.

Nijem next faced fellow TUF alumni and teammate Justin Edwards on January 15, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 35.[20] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nijem faced Beneil Dariush on April 11, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 39.[21] He won the fight via TKO in the first round. The win also won Nijem his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[22]

Nijem faced Carlos Diego Ferreira on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177.[23] He lost the back-and-forth fight via TKO in the second round. Despite the loss, Nijem was awarded his first Fight of the Night bonus award.[24]

Nijem was expected to face Erik Koch on July 25, 2015, at UFC on Fox 16.[25] However, Koch was forced from the bout with injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Andrew Holbrook.[26] Holbrook defeated Nijem by split decision.[27] 15 of 15 media outlets scored the decision in favor of Nijem.[28]

On October 2, 2015, it was announced that Nijem was cut from the UFC roster.[29]

World Series of Fighting

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On August 29, 2016, it was announced that Nijem had signed a multi-fight deal with World Series of Fighting.[30]

The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption

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In February 2017, it was revealed that Nijem would compete again on the UFC's reality show in the 25th season on The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption.[31] Nijem was the third pick overall for Team Dillashaw. He defeated Julian Lane in the opening round by TKO in the first round.

Professional Fighters League

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On March 23, 2018, it was revealed that Nijem has signed a contract with Professional Fighters League (PFL).[6] In his debut, he faced Brian Foster at PFL 2 on June 21, 2018. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.

On October 13, 2018, Nijem faced Yuki Kawana at PFL 9. He won the fight via unanimous decision.[32]

Season 2

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In May 2019, Nijem was expected to face Ronys Torres at PFL 2, but Torres was forced to withdraw on the fight week. By PFL rules, Nijem was declared the winner by walkover.[33]

Nijem was expected to face reigning PFL lightweight tournament winner Natan Schulte on PFL 5, but could not make weight and was disqualified and removed from the card.[34] Afterwards it was revealed that Nijem failed a drug test for marijuana and was temporarily suspended until disciplinary hearing.[35] Nevada State Athletic Commission eventually suspended Nijem for nine months.[36]

Nijem was rebooked against Natan Schulte in the lightweight quarterfinals at PFL 8 on October 17, 2019, losing the bout after being choked out by rear-naked choke in under a minute.[37]

Post PFL

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Nijem faced Ben Saunders on July 30, 2021, at XMMA 2. He lost the bout via unanimous decision and subsequently retired in early August.[38][5]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
19 matches 10 wins 9 losses
By knockout 3 4
By submission 2 3
By decision 5 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 10–9 Ben Saunders Decision (unanimous) XMMA 2: Saunders vs. Nijem July 30, 2021 3 5:00 Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Loss 10–8 Natan Schulte Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 8 October 17, 2019 1 0:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 2019 PFL Lightweight Quarterfinal bout.
Win 10–7 Yuki Kawana Decision (unanimous) PFL 9 October 13, 2018 2 5:00 Long Beach, California, United States 2018 PFL Lightweight Playoffs Alternate bout.
Loss 9–7 Brian Foster TKO (knee and punches) PFL 2 June 21, 2018 3 0:32 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss 9–6 Andrew Holbrook Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs. Barão 2 July 25, 2015 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss 9–5 Carlos Diego Ferreira TKO (punches) UFC 177 August 30, 2014 2 1:53 Sacramento, California, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 9–4 Beneil Dariush TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson April 11, 2014 1 4:20 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Performance of the Night.
Win 8–4 Justin Edwards Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou January 15, 2014 3 5:00 Duluth, Georgia, United States
Loss 7–4 James Vick Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen August 17, 2013 1 0:58 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Loss 7–3 Myles Jury KO (punch) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 2 1:02 San Jose, California, United States
Win 7–2 Joe Proctor Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz December 8, 2012 3 5:00 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 6–2 C.J. Keith TKO (punches) UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida June 22, 2012 1 2:29 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 5–2 Danny Downes Decision (unanimous) UFC 137 October 29, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 4–2 Tony Ferguson KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos Finale June 4, 2011 1 3:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter 13 Welterweight tournament final.
Win 4–1 Scott Casey Submission (rear-naked choke) Showdown Fights: Respect September 10, 2010 1 2:48 Orem, Utah, United States Lightweight debut.
Win 3–1 Eric Uresk TKO (punches) Showdown Fights: Burkman vs. Paul April 23, 2010 2 4:02 Orem, Utah, United States
Win 2–1 Logan Hancock Decision (unanimous) Throwdown Showdown 5: Homecoming November 20, 2009 3 5:00 Orem, Utah, United States
Loss 1–1 Gordon Bell Submission (armbar) Xtreme Combat October 24, 2009 1 0:21 Richfield, Utah, United States
Win 1–0 Ryan Miller Submission (rear-naked choke) Throwdown Showdown 1 April 18, 2008 1 2:15 Orem, Utah, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

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Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 4–1 James Krause Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption June 21, 2017 (airdate) 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States TUF 25 Quarter-Final round.
Win 4–0 Julian Lane (fighter) TKO (punches) May 24, 2017 (airdate) 1 4:44 TUF 25 Preliminary round.
Win 3–0 Chris Cope TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter 13 June 1, 2011 (airdate) 2 1:49 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States TUF 13 Semi-Final round.
win 2–0 Clay Harvison Submission (rear-naked choke) May 18, 2011 (airdate) 1 0:56 TUF 13 Quarter-Final round.
Win 1–0 Charlie Rader Submission (rear-naked choke) April 20, 2011 (airdate) 2 3:31 TUF 13 Preliminary round.

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Mixed martial arts show results Date: October 17, 2019
  2. ^ a b Sherdog.com. "Ramzi Nijem MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Thomas Gerbasi (April 7, 2014). "Ramsey Nijem: Embracing a New Role". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  4. ^ "Ramsey Nijem - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  5. ^ a b Ramsey Nijem [@ramseynijem] (August 7, 2021). "I'm done with this game….. broke the matrix and done with the anger. Done hurting myself done running. The feelings are mixed when I reflect, but the feelings that come with fighting don't belong in my life anymore. Thank you" – via Instagram.
  6. ^ a b Ariel Helwani (March 23, 2018). "PFL signs former TUF finalist Ramzi Nijem". mmafighting.com.
  7. ^ UFC Fight Night 26: Ramzi Nijem 'Our job is pretty much on the line every time we fight'
  8. ^ a b "Player Bio: Ramsey Nijem - UTAH VALLEY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE". Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2011.
  9. ^ "Former UVU Wrestler Ramsey Nijem Vying for Ultimate Fighter Title". gouvu.com. June 2, 2011.
  10. ^ "Fightland".
  11. ^ Michael David Smith (April 21, 2011). "Ramsey Nijem on Winning His Fight, Painting His Toenails". mmafighting.com.
  12. ^ Ramsey Nijem. MMAjunkie.com. November 10, 2015.
  13. ^ "Ramzi Nijem vs. Danny Downes added to UFC 137 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. July 21, 2011. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011.
  14. ^ Martin, Damon (November 12, 2011). "Anthony Njokuani vs. Ramzi Nijem Agreed for UFC 141". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  15. ^ "Ramsey Nijem out, Danny Castillo in against Anthony Njoukani at UFC 141". MMAjunkie.com. December 7, 2011. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
  16. ^ "Ramzi Nijem vs. C.J. Keith Added to UFC on FX 4". mmaweekly.com. March 25, 2012.
  17. ^ "TUF veterans Ramzi Nijem and Joe Proctor to meet at UFC on FOX 5 in Seattle". mmajunkie.com. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on August 24, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  18. ^ "UFC on FOX 7 adds Jury-Nijem". mmajunkie.com. February 7, 2013.
  19. ^ "Ramzi Nijem vs. James Vick joins UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 in Boston". mmajunkie.com. June 5, 2013.
  20. ^ Staff (November 24, 2013). "UFC Fight Night 35 Card Grows with Addition of Three New Bouts". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  21. ^ Alex Schlinsky (February 25, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 39: Abu Dhabi adds ten fights". fansided.com. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  22. ^ a b Staff (April 11, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 39 bonuses: Clay Guida, Tatsuya Kawajiri nab 'FOTN' honors". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  23. ^ Jesse Holland (July 13, 2014). "UFC 177: Ramzi Nijem vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira on tap for Aug. 30 in Sacramento". mmamania.com. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  24. ^ a b "UFC 177 bonuses: Dillashaw, Medeiros, Ferreira, Nijem win $50,000". MMAjunkie.com. August 31, 2014.
  25. ^ Damon Martin (April 22, 2015). "Ramzi Nijem meets Erik Koch at FOX UFC Fight Night in Chicago". foxsports.com. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  26. ^ Staff (June 29, 2015). "Andrew Holbrook in for Erik Koch against Ramzi Nijem at UFC on FOX 16". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  27. ^ Brent Brookhouse (July 25, 2015). "UFC on FOX 16 results: Andrew Holbrook granted split over flabbergasted Nijem". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  28. ^ "Andrew Holbrook def. Ramzi Nijem". MMA Decisions. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  29. ^ Jesse Holland (October 2, 2015). "Report: UFC cuts Ramzi Nijem, three others". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  30. ^ "WSOF Signs Lightweight Star Ramsey Nijem To Multi-Fight Deal".
  31. ^ Marc Raimondi (February 15, 2017). "Joe Stevenson, James Krause, Jesse Taylor among TUF: Redemption cast members". mmafighting.com. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  32. ^ "PFL 9 Results". MMA Fighting. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  33. ^ "Ronys Torres out of PFL 2019, Week 2 due to NYSAC issue; Ramzi Nijem gets walkover win". mmajunkie.com. May 22, 2019.
  34. ^ "Three fighters miss weight, force changes to PFL 5 fight card". mmafighting.com. July 24, 2019.
  35. ^ Marc Raimondi (November 21, 2019). "Failed drug tests leave 3 PFL fighters facing disciplinary action". espn.com.
  36. ^ Steven Marrocco (December 18, 2019). "PFL vet Ramzi Nijem suspended nine months for marijuana". mmafighting.com.
  37. ^ Anderson, Jay (October 17, 2019). "PFL 8 2019 Results: Natan Schulte Puts Ramsey Nijem to Sleep". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  38. ^ Freeman, Nate (July 30, 2021). "XMMA 2 Results - Saunders vs. Nijem". Retrieved August 2, 2021.
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