Mixed Martial Artist Kamaru Usman’s Daughter Samirah Became the Heart of His Journey Inside and Outside the Octagon

Kamaru Usman’s daughter, Samirah, gives the fierce fighter a reason to stay grounded.

Kamaru Usman stands as one of mixed martial arts’ most accomplished fighters, having dominated the UFC welterweight division for years.

The Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist carved his path to greatness through an impressive wrestling background, becoming the NCAA Division II national champion at 174 pounds in 2010 with a remarkable 44-1 record.

His transition to MMA proved equally successful after he abandoned his Olympic wrestling dreams following injuries that prevented him from qualifying for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

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Usman burst onto the UFC scene in 2015 after winning The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament, earning a six-figure contract and establishing himself as a force in the welterweight division.

He systematically climbed the rankings with his dominant wrestling-based style, culminating in his championship victory over Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in March 2019.

The former champion successfully defended his title five times, defeating notable opponents including Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns before losing the belt to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in 2022.

Despite recent setbacks, including losses to Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev, Usman recently returned to the win column with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 69 in June 2025, snapping a three-fight losing streak.

Kamaru Usman’s Daughter Changed His Life

Behind the fierce competitor known as “The Nigerian Nightmare” lies a devoted father whose world revolves around his daughter, Samirah Usman.

Born in 2014, Samirah entered Usman’s life before he joined the UFC, fundamentally changing his perspective and adding deeper meaning to his competitive drive.

Now approximately 11 years old, she represents the softer side of one of combat sports’ most intimidating figures.

Samirah maintains a notable social media presence for someone her age, boasting over 15,000 followers on Instagram under her parents’ careful supervision.

She also appears on YouTube videos where viewers catch glimpses of her spending quality time with her father, showcasing their close bond beyond the octagon.

These intimate moments reveal Usman’s transformation from a fierce competitor to a caring father who prioritizes family above all else.

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The young Usman has become an integral part of her father’s fighting journey, often accompanying him during training camps and fight weeks.

Social media posts over the years capture her holding mitts during training sessions, watching her father prepare for battles, and participating in behind-the-scenes fight week rituals.

These images portray a father who actively engages his daughter in his professional life while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

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However, Samirah’s involvement in her father’s career took a traumatic turn at UFC 278 when she witnessed Leon Edwards deliver the shocking head kick that knocked out Usman and ended his championship reign.

The eleven-year-old was visibly distressed by seeing her father suffer his first knockout loss, requiring immediate consolation and removal from the venue as medical staff attended to the unconscious champion.

Usman later revealed the emotional aftermath of that devastating moment, describing how his daughter returned to his Utah home and passed out from exhaustion and emotional trauma.

The caring father found her sleeping in his bed and took time to have a thoughtful conversation with her about what had transpired.

The bond between father and daughter became even more evident during Usman’s recent comeback victory over Joaquin Buckley.

In his post-fight interview, an emotional Usman fought back tears while expressing his regret that Samirah couldn’t be present for his triumphant return to the win column.

His words revealed how much her presence means to him during both victories and defeats, emphasizing that she serves as his primary motivation and source of strength.

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Samirah’s mother, Eleslie Dietzsch, played a significant role in the fighter’s life for many years.

Though never officially married, Dietzsch served as Usman’s long-term partner and co-parent to their daughter.

The couple maintained an extremely private relationship throughout Usman’s rise to championship status, rarely appearing together publicly or discussing their partnership in interviews.

Their discretion helped keep family life separate from the intense scrutiny that accompanies UFC stardom.

However, Usman and Dietzsch separated in 2022, coinciding with some of the most challenging periods of the fighter’s career.

During an appearance on comedian Andrew Schulz’s podcast, Usman confirmed his single status while emphasizing his belief in love and meaningful relationships.

Despite their separation, both parents continue co-parenting Samirah, with Dietzsch frequently sharing photos of their daughter on her own Instagram account.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Usman got his nickname “Marty” because his high school wrestling coach at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, had trouble pronouncing his first name “Kamarudeen.”

• His father, Muhammed Nasiru Usman, was convicted in May 2010 of health care fraud and money laundering, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, and ordered to pay $1,300,000 in restitution. He was released from FCI Seagoville on March 16, 2021.

• Usman appeared as a guest star in the Marvel film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022), where he played a naval officer.