Ramsey Nijem
Encyclopedia
Ramsey Nijem is a Palestinian-American mixed martial artist
who competes in the welterweight
and lightweight
divisions. A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Nijem has made a name for himself fighting in Utah. He was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos.
, but raised in Mill Creek, Washington
. 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.
After high school, Nijem enrolled in Utah Valley University, also wrestling for the school.
Only a month after his first loss he defeated Logan Hancock via unanimous decision, bring his professional record to 2-1. Ramsey 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.
He splits his training time with Riven Academy of MMA, and The Pit Elevated. He is training partners to UFC veteran Josh Burkman
, and The Ultimate Fighter 11 winner Court McGee
.
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.
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.
against Tony Ferguson
to crown the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 13. Nijem lost the bout via knockout in the first round after getting caught flush by a left hook.
Nijem defeated Danny Downes
on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137
via unanimous decision.
Nijem is expected to face Anthony Njokuani
on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141
.
|Win
|align=center|5-2
|Danny Downes
|Decision (unanimous)
|UFC 137
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada
, United States
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|4-2
|Tony Ferguson
|KO (punches)
|The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:54
|Las Vegas, Nevada
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|4-1
|Scott Casey
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Showdown Fights: Respect
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:48
|Orem, Utah
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|3-1
|Eric Uresk
|TKO (punches)
|Showdown Fights: Burkman vs. Paul
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:02
|Orem, Utah
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|2-1
|Logan Hancock
|Decision (unanimous)
|Throwdown Showdown 5: Homecoming
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Orem, Utah
, United States
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|1-1
|Gordon Bell
|Submission (armbar)
|Xtreme Combat
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:21
|Richfield, Utah
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|1-0
|Ryan Miller
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Throwdown Showdown 1
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:15
|Orem, Utah
, United States
|
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
who competes in the welterweight
Welterweight (MMA)
The welterweight division in mixed martial arts can refer to a number of different weight classes:*The UFC's & Strikeforce's welterweight division, which groups competitors within 156 to 170 lb...
and lightweight
Lightweight (MMA)
The lightweight division in mixed martial arts can refer to a number of different weight classes:* The UFC & Strikeforce lightweight division with upper limit at 155 lb...
divisions. A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Nijem has made a name for himself fighting in Utah. He was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos.
Early life
Nijem was born in Concord, CaliforniaConcord, California
Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County, California, USA. At the 2010 census, the city had a population of 122,067. Originally founded in 1869 as the community of Todos Santos by Salvio Pacheco, the name was changed to Concord within months...
, but raised in Mill Creek, Washington
Mill Creek, Washington
Mill Creek is a city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. It is located approximately 20 miles north-northeast of downtown Seattle and is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. The 2010 census population as of 18,244...
. 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.
After high school, Nijem enrolled in Utah Valley University, also wrestling for the school.
MMA career
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. Ramsey 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.
He splits his training time with Riven Academy of MMA, and The Pit Elevated. He is training partners to UFC veteran Josh Burkman
Josh Burkman
Joshua R. Burkman is an American mixed martial artist who is best known for his participation in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Before becoming a mixed martial artist, Burkman was an amateur wrestler. During his senior year of high school he finished second in his weight class at the state...
, and The Ultimate Fighter 11 winner Court McGee
Court McGee
Courtney Scott McGee is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the middleweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2007, McGee mostly fought in local promotions in Utah before signing with the UFC....
.
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2011, Nijem had signed with the UFCUltimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world that hosts most of the top-ranked fighters in the sport...
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.
Nijem was selected to fight Clay Harvison
Clay Harvison
Clayton Harvison is a American mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2006, Harvison has made a name for himself fighting in his homestate of Georgia. He was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs...
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
Chris Cope
Chris Cope is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2007, Cope has made a name for himself fighting on the regional circuit in California. He was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos...
, 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
Nijem made his official UFC debut on June 4, 2011 at the The Ultimate Fighter 13 FinaleThe Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team Dos Santos Finale, , was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 4, 2011 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.-Background:Featured were the finalists from The Ultimate Fighter 13 – Team Lesnar...
against Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson (fighter)
Tony Ferguson is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division for the UFC. Ferguson was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs...
to crown the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 13. Nijem lost the bout via knockout in the first round after getting caught flush by a left hook.
Nijem defeated Danny Downes
Danny Downes
-Mixed martial arts career:Since turning professional in 2007, Downes has competed for several smaller organizations, while compiling an undefeated record and obtaining wins in promotions such as King of the Cage, with all of his fights taking place in his native Wisconsin...
on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137
UFC 137
UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on October 29, 2011 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.-Background:...
via unanimous decision.
Nijem is expected to face Anthony Njokuani
Anthony Njokuani
Anthony Obinnia Njokuani is a Nigerian mixed martial artist who currently fights as a lightweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.-Early life:...
on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141
UFC 141
UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem is an upcoming mixed martial arts event to be held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on December 30, 2011, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.-Background:...
.
Mixed martial arts record
|-|Win
|align=center|5-2
|Danny Downes
Danny Downes
-Mixed martial arts career:Since turning professional in 2007, Downes has competed for several smaller organizations, while compiling an undefeated record and obtaining wins in promotions such as King of the Cage, with all of his fights taking place in his native Wisconsin...
|Decision (unanimous)
|UFC 137
UFC 137
UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on October 29, 2011 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.-Background:...
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, United States
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|4-2
|Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson (fighter)
Tony Ferguson is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division for the UFC. Ferguson was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs...
|KO (punches)
|The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale
The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team Dos Santos Finale, , was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 4, 2011 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.-Background:Featured were the finalists from The Ultimate Fighter 13 – Team Lesnar...
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:54
|Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|4-1
|Scott Casey
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Showdown Fights: Respect
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:48
|Orem, Utah
Orem, Utah
Orem is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, in the north-central part of the state. It is adjacent to Provo, Lindon, and Vineyard and is about south of Salt Lake City. Orem is one of the principal cities of the Provo-Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Utah and...
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|3-1
|Eric Uresk
|TKO (punches)
|Showdown Fights: Burkman vs. Paul
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:02
|Orem, Utah
Orem, Utah
Orem is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, in the north-central part of the state. It is adjacent to Provo, Lindon, and Vineyard and is about south of Salt Lake City. Orem is one of the principal cities of the Provo-Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Utah and...
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|2-1
|Logan Hancock
|Decision (unanimous)
|Throwdown Showdown 5: Homecoming
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Orem, Utah
Orem, Utah
Orem is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, in the north-central part of the state. It is adjacent to Provo, Lindon, and Vineyard and is about south of Salt Lake City. Orem is one of the principal cities of the Provo-Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Utah and...
, United States
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|1-1
|Gordon Bell
|Submission (armbar)
|Xtreme Combat
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:21
|Richfield, Utah
Richfield, Utah
Richfield is a city in and the county seat of Sevier County, Utah, in the United States, and is the largest city in southern-central Utah. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 7,551. It lies in the Mormon Corridor, just off of Interstate 70 about 40 miles east of its junction with...
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|1-0
|Ryan Miller
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Throwdown Showdown 1
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:15
|Orem, Utah
Orem, Utah
Orem is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, in the north-central part of the state. It is adjacent to Provo, Lindon, and Vineyard and is about south of Salt Lake City. Orem is one of the principal cities of the Provo-Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Utah and...
, United States
|