Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month

UFC is proud to celebrate Black History Month by acknowledging the achievements of African American and Black UFC athletes throughout our history.

During February, UFC will highlight the personal stories of these athletes, past and present, while celebrating their significance in promoting and growing UFC and the sport of mixed martial arts.

Milestones

Nov. 12, 1993

First African American athletes compete in UFC

Zane Frazier, Art Jimmerson, Patrick Smith and Trent Jenkins compete at UFC 1: The Beginning

First African American athletes compete in UFC

Zane Frazier, Art Jimmerson, Patrick Smith and Trent Jenkins compete at UFC 1: The Beginning

Nov. 12, 1993

First African American Color Commentator for a UFC event

Jim Brown serves as the first African American color commentator (pre-Zuffa era) at UFC 1: The Beginning

First African American Color Commentator for a UFC event

Jim Brown serves as the first African American color commentator (pre-Zuffa era) at UFC 1: The Beginning

Dec. 16, 1994

Oldest Competitor to Ever Fight in the UFC

Ron Van Clief fights at UFC 4 to become the oldest competitor to fight in the UFC, aged 51

Oldest Competitor to Ever Fight in the UFC

Ron Van Clief fights at UFC 4 to become the oldest competitor to fight in the UFC, aged 51

Jul. 27, 1997

First African American to Win a UFC Tournament

Kevin Jackson becomes the first African American to win a UFC tournament at UFC 14

First African American to Win a UFC Tournament

Kevin Jackson defeated Tom Butler by first-round knockout to become the first African American to win a UFC tournament at UFC 14

Jul. 27, 1997

First African American UFC Champion

UFC Hall-of-Famer Maurice Smith defeats Mark Coleman at UFC 14 to become the UFC heavyweight champion

First African American UFC Champion

Maurice Smith defeated Mark Coleman at UFC 14 to become the UFC heavyweight champion, and the first African American to headline a non-tournament event.

Nov. 19, 1999

Kevin Randleman Wins UFC Heavyweight Title

UFC Hall-of-Famer Kevin Randleman defeats Pete Williams to win the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 23

Kevin Randleman Wins UFC Heavyweight Title

UFC Hall-of-Famer Kevin Randleman defeated Pete Williams by decision to win the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 23

May. 04, 2001

Black History: Carlos Newton, born in Anguilla and representing Canada, won the UFC welterweight title at UFC 31

Carlos Newton Wins UFC Welterweight Title

Carlos Newton, born in Anguilla and representing Canada, wins the UFC welterweight title at UFC 31

Carlos Newton Wins UFC Welterweight Title

Carlos Newton, born in Anguilla and representing Canada, defeated Pat Miletich with a third-round submission to win the welterweight title at UFC 31

Jul. 12, 2002

First Black Athlete Born in the United Kingdom Competes in UFC

Mark Weir, born in Gloucester, England, makes his victorious UFC debut over Eugene Jackson at UFC 38

First Black Athlete Born in the United Kingdom Competes in UFC

Mark Weir, born in Gloucester, England, makes his UFC debut at UFC 38 with a 10-second knockout victory over Eugene Jackson

Apr. 25, 2003

David Loiseau, born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, makes his UFC debut at UFC 42

First Black Canadian-Born Athlete Competes in UFC

David Loiseau, born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, makes his victorious UFC debut at UFC 42 against Mark Weir

First Black Canadian-Born Athlete Competes in UFC

David Loiseau, born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, makes his UFC debut at UFC 42 with a first-round knockout victory over Mark Weir.

Jan. 17, 2005

First African American Athletes Compete on The Ultimate Fighter

Josh Koscheck and Bobby Southworth compete in the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter

First African American Athletes Compete on The Ultimate Fighter

Josh Koscheck and Bobby Southworth compete in the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter

Nov. 05, 2005

Black History: Rashad Evans defeated Brad Imes in the heavyweight finale of the second season of The Ultimate Fighter

First African American to Win The Ultimate Fighter

Rashad Evans defeats Brad Imes in the heavyweight finale of the second season of The Ultimate Fighter

First African American to Win The Ultimate Fighter

Rashad Evans defeated Brad Imes in the heavyweight division finale of the second season of The Ultimate Fighter

Oct. 14, 2006

Anderson Silva captures the UFC middleweight championship on October 14, 2006 at UFC 64

Anderson Silva wins UFC Middleweight Title

Anderson "The Spider" Silva defeats Rich Franklin at UFC 64 to win the UFC middleweight title

Anderson Silva wins UFC Middleweight Title

Anderson Silva defeats Rich Franklin by first-round knockout at UFC 64 to win the UFC middleweight title on October 14, 2006.

May. 26, 2007

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson wins UFC light heavyweight title

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson defeats Chuck Liddell to win the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 71

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson wins UFC light heavyweight title

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson defeats Chuck Liddell by first-round knockout, winning UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 71

Apr. 07, 2008

First African American Coach on The Ultimate Fighter

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson makes his coaching debut on season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter

First African American Coach on The Ultimate Fighter

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson makes his coaching debut on season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter. His team: C.B. Dollaway, Matthew Riddle, Paul Bradley, Dan Cramer, Gerald Harris, Mike Dolce, Jeremy May and Brandon Sene

Dec. 27, 2008

Rashad Evans Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Rashad Evans defeats Forrest Griffin at UFC 92 to win the UFC light heavyweight title

Rashad Evans Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Rashad Evans defeats Forrest Griffin with a third-round knockout at UFC 92 to win the UFC light heavyweight title

Mar. 19, 2011

Black History: Jon Jones defeats Mauricio "Shogun" Rua by third-round knockout at UFC 128 to become the youngest champion in UFC history at 23 years old

Youngest Champion in UFC History - UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

Jon Jones defeats Mauricio "Shogun" Rua by third-round knockout at UFC 128 to become the youngest champion in UFC history at 23 years old

Youngest Champion in UFC History - UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

Jon Jones defeats Mauricio "Shogun" Rua by third-round knockout at UFC 128 to become the youngest champion in UFC history at 23 years old

Feb. 26, 2012

Black History: Benson Henderson defeated Frankie Edgar by decision at UFC 144 to win the UFC lightweight title

Benson Henderson Wins UFC Lightweight Title

Benson Henderson defeats Frankie Edgar by decision at UFC 144 to win the UFC lightweight title

Benson Henderson Wins UFC Lightweight Title

Benson Henderson defeated Frankie Edgar by decision at UFC 144 to win the UFC lightweight title

Sep. 22, 2012

Black History: Demetrious Johnson defeated Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152 to become the UFC flyweight champion

Demetrious Johnson Wins UFC Flyweight Title

Demetrious Johnson defeats Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152 to become the UFC flyweight champion

Demetrious Johnson Wins UFC Flyweight Title

Demetrious Johnson defeated Joseph Benavidez by decision at UFC 152 to become the UFC flyweight champion, the start of a six-year reign

Oct. 13, 2012

Black History: Anderson Silva sets the UFC record for most consecutive UFC victories (16)

Record Set for Most Consecutive UFC Victories

Anderson "The Spider" Silva defeats Stephan Bonnar at UFC 153, for his record-setting 16th consecutive UFC victory

Record Set for Most Consecutive UFC Victories

Anderson "Spider" Silva defeats Stephan Bonnar at UFC 153 to set the UFC record for most consecutive UFC victories (16).

Jul. 05, 2013

Black History: Anderson Silva sets UFC record for longest title reign with his middleweight championship reign lasting 2457 days

Record Set for Longest UFC Title Reign

Anderson "The Spider" Silva's middleweight title reign sets the UFC record for longest title reign at 2,457 days

Record Set for Longest UFC Title Reign

Jul. 27, 2013

First Black Female Athlete Competes in UFC

Germaine de Randamie makes her victorious debut at UFC on FOX 8 against Julie Kedzie

First Black Female Athlete Competes in UFC

Germaine de Randamie makes her victorious debut at UFC on FOX 8 against Julie Kedzie

Sep. 10, 2014

First African American Female on The Ultimate Fighter

Angela Hill becomes the first African American female to compete on The Ultimate Fighter, Season 20

First African American Female on The Ultimate Fighter

Angela Hill becomes the first female African American athlete to compete on The Ultimate Fighter, Season 20, as a member of Team Melendez

Dec. 12, 2014

Black History: Angela Hill became the first African American female to compete in the UFC against fellow strawweight Emily Kagan

First African American Female to Compete in UFC

Angela Hill becomes the first African American female to compete in the UFC against fellow strawweight Emily Kagan

First African American Female to Compete in UFC

Angela Hill became the first African American female to compete in the UFC during the season finale of Season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter against fellow strawweight Emily Kagan

May. 23, 2015

Black History: Daniel Cormier defeated Anthony Johnson for the UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 187

Daniel Cormier Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Daniel Cormier defeats Anthony Johnson for the UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 187

Daniel Cormier Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Daniel Cormier defeated Anthony Johnson for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 187

Jul. 30, 2016

Black History: Tyron Woodley defeat Robbie Lawler to become the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 201

Tyron Woodley Wins UFC Welterweight Title

Tyron Woodley defeats Robbie Lawler to become the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 201

Tyron Woodley Wins UFC Welterweight Title

Tyron Woodley defeats Robbie Lawler by first-round knockout to become the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 201

Oct. 01, 2016

First African American Color Commentator for a UFC Event

Daniel Cormier serves as the first color commentator for a UFC event (Zuffa era) at UFC Fight Night

First African American Color Commentator for a UFC Event

Daniel Cormier serves as the first color commentator for a UFC event (Zuffa era) at UFC Fight Night 96: Lineker vs Dodson

Feb. 11, 2017

First Black Female UFC Champion

Germaine de Randamie defeats Holly Holm at UFC 208 to become the first Black female UFC champion

First Black Female UFC Champion

Germaine de Randamie defeats Holly Holm at UFC 208 to become the first Black Female UFC Champion

Feb. 11, 2017

Black History: Germaine de Randamie becomes the first Black female to headline a UFC event at UFC 208

First Black Female Athlete to Headline a UFC Event

Germaine de Randamie becomes the first Black female to headline a UFC event at UFC 208 against Holly Holm

First Black Female Athlete to Headline a UFC Event

Germaine de Randamie becomes the first Black female to headline a UFC event at UFC 208, where she defeated Holly Holm for the UFC featherweight championship title

Jul. 07, 2017

First African American Inducted Into UFC Hall of Fame

Maurice Smith becomes the first African American athlete to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame - Pioneer Wing ('17)

First African American Inducted Into UFC Hall of Fame

Maurice Smith is inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Pioneer Wing ('17), becoming the first African American athlete to be inducted

Jul. 25, 2017

Black History: Geoff Neal (right) and Karl Roberson (left) are awarded contracts on Season 1, Episode 3 of DWCS

First African American Athletes Awarded UFC Contract on DWCS

Karl Roberson (left) and Geoff Neal (right) are awarded contracts on Dana White's Contender Series

First African American Athletes Awarded UFC Contract on DWCS

Geoff Neal (right) and Karl Roberson (left) are awarded contracts on Season 1, Episode 3 of DWCS

Oct. 07, 2017

Black History: Demetrious Johnson defeats Ray Borg with a fifth-round submission to set the record for the most successful UFC title defenses (11) at UFC 216

Record Set for Most Consecutive UFC Title Defenses

Demetrious Johnson defeats Ray Borg to set the record for the most successful UFC title defenses (11) at UFC 216

Record Set for Most Consecutive UFC Title Defenses

Demetrious Johnson defeats Ray Borg with a fifth-round submission to set the record for the most successful UFC title defenses (11) at UFC 216

Jul. 07, 2018

First African American Athlete to Hold UFC titles in two weight classes simultaneously

Daniel Cormier defeats Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 to become the UFC heavyweight champion

First African American Athlete to Hold UFC titles in two weight classes simultaneously

Daniel Cormier defeats Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 to become the UFC heavyweight champion, while also the UFC light heavyweight champion

Mar. 02, 2019

First African-Born UFC Champion

Kamaru Usman, born in Nigeria, defeats Tyron Woodley to become the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 235

First African-Born UFC Champion

Kamaru Usman, born in Nigeria, defeats Tyron Woodley to become the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 235

Jul. 05, 2019

Rashad Evans Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Rashad Evans inducted into the Pioneer Wing ('19) of the UFC Hall of Fame

Rashad Evans Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Rashad Evans inducted into the Pioneer Wing ('19) of the UFC Hall of Fame

Oct. 06, 2019

Israel Adesanya Wins Undisputed UFC middleweight title

Israel Adesanya defeats Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 to become the undisputed UFC middleweight champion

Israel Adesanya Wins Undisputed UFC middleweight title

Israel Adesanya defeats Robert Whittaker with a second-round knockout to be crowned the undisputed UFC middleweight champion at UFC 243

May. 15, 2020

Kevin Randleman Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Kevin Randleman inducted into the Pioneer Wing ('20) of the UFC Hall of Fame

Kevin Randleman Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Kevin Randleman inducted into the Pioneer Wing ('20) of the UFC Hall of Fame

May. 15, 2020

Black History: Jon Jones Celebrates his victory over Alexander Gustafsson, a battle which was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame ('20) Fight Wing

Jon Jones Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Jon Jones is inducted into the Fight Wing ('20) of the UFC Hall of Fame for his UFC 165 battle against Alexander Gustafsson

Jon Jones Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Jon Jones is inducted into the Fight Wing ('20) of the UFC Hall of Fame for his UFC 165 battle against Alexander Gustafsson

Sep. 12, 2020

First African American Female to Headline A UFC Event

Angela Hill becomes the first African American female to headline a UFC event in her main event bout against Michelle Waterson

First African American Female to Headline A UFC Event

Angela Hill becomes the first African American female to headline a UFC event in her main event bout against Michelle Waterson at UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs Hill