Ramsey Nijem

Early life

A Palestinian American, Nijem was born in Concord, California, but raised in Mill Creek, Washington, with two brothers. 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. Nijem graduated with a degree in business management in 2010.

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. 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."

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''

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Nijem fought James Vick on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 26. 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. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

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

Nijem faced Carlos Diego Ferreira on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177. 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.

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

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

World Series of Fighting

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

''The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption''

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. 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

On March 23, 2018, it was revealed that Nijem has signed a contract with Professional Fighters League (PFL). 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.

Season 2

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.

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. Afterwards it was revealed that Nijem failed a drug test for marijuana and was temporarily suspended until disciplinary hearing. Nevada State Athletic Commission eventually suspended Nijem for nine months.

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.

Post PFL

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

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • The Ultimate Fighter 13 Tournament Runner Up
  • Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira
  • Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Beneil Dariush

Mixed martial arts record

|ko-wins=3 |ko-losses=4 |sub-wins=2 |sub-losses=3 |dec-wins=5

| |Greenville, South Carolina, United States | |- |Loss |Natan Schulte |Submission (rear-naked choke) |PFL 8 | |Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| | Long Beach, California, United States

| | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |- | Loss |Andrew Holbrook | Decision (split) |UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs. Barão 2 | |Chicago, Illinois, United States | |- |Loss |Carlos Diego Ferreira |TKO (punches) | UFC 177 | | Sacramento, California, United States

| | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

| |Duluth, Georgia, United States | |- |Loss |James Vick |Submission (guillotine choke) |UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen | |Boston, Massachusetts, United States | |- |Loss |Myles Jury |KO (punch) |UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez | |San Jose, California, United States | |- |Win |Joe Proctor |Decision (unanimous) |UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz | |Seattle, Washington, United States | |- |Win |C.J. Keith |TKO (punches) |UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida | |Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |- |Win |Danny Downes |Decision (unanimous) |UFC 137 | |Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| |Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| |Orem, Utah, United States

| |Orem, Utah, United States | |- |Win |Logan Hancock |Decision (unanimous) |Throwdown Showdown 5: Homecoming | |Orem, Utah, United States | |- |Loss |Gordon Bell |Submission (armbar) |Xtreme Combat | |Richfield, Utah, United States | |- |Win |Ryan Miller |Submission (rear-naked choke) |Throwdown Showdown 1 | |Orem, Utah, United States |

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

|ko-wins=2 |ko-losses= |sub-wins=2 |sub-losses= |dec-wins=

References

References

1. [https://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2019_Results/10-17-19MMA.pdf Mixed martial arts show results Date: October 17, 2019]
2. "Ramsey Nijem - Official UFC Fighter Profile". [[Ultimate Fighting Championship.
3. Thomas Gerbasi. (April 7, 2014). "Ramsey Nijem: Embracing a New Role". [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]].
4. Ramsey Nijem. (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".
5. Ariel Helwani. (2018-03-23). "PFL signs former TUF finalist Ramzi Nijem". mmafighting.com.
6. "UFC Fight Night 26: Ramzi Nijem 'Our job is pretty much on the line every time we fight'".
7. "Player Bio: Ramsey Nijem - UTAH VALLEY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE".
8. (June 2, 2011). "Former UVU Wrestler Ramsey Nijem Vying for Ultimate Fighter Title".
9. "Fightland".
10. Michael David Smith. (April 21, 2011). "Ramsey Nijem on Winning His Fight, Painting His Toenails". mmafighting.com.
11. (November 10, 2015). "Ramsey Nijem". [[MMAjunkie.com]].
12. (July 21, 2011). "Ramzi Nijem vs. Danny Downes added to UFC 137 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com.
13. Martin, Damon. (November 12, 2011). "Anthony Njokuani vs. Ramzi Nijem Agreed for UFC 141". mmaweekly.com.
14. (December 7, 2011). "Ramsey Nijem out, Danny Castillo in against Anthony Njoukani at UFC 141". [[MMAjunkie.com]].
15. (2012-03-25). "Ramzi Nijem vs. C.J. Keith Added to UFC on FX 4". mmaweekly.com.
16. (August 22, 2012). "TUF veterans Ramzi Nijem and Joe Proctor to meet at UFC on FOX 5 in Seattle". mmajunkie.com.
17. (February 7, 2013). "UFC on FOX 7 adds Jury-Nijem". mmajunkie.com.
18. (June 5, 2013). "Ramzi Nijem vs. James Vick joins UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 in Boston". mmajunkie.com.
19. Staff. (2013-11-24). "UFC Fight Night 35 Card Grows with Addition of Three New Bouts". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com.
20. Alex Schlinsky. (25 February 2014). "UFC Fight Night 39: Abu Dhabi adds ten fights". fansided.com.
21. Staff. (2014-04-11). "UFC Fight Night 39 bonuses: Clay Guida, Tatsuya Kawajiri nab 'FOTN' honors". mmajunkie.com.
22. Jesse Holland. (2014-07-13). "UFC 177: Ramzi Nijem vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira on tap for Aug. 30 in Sacramento". mmamania.com.
23. (August 31, 2014). "UFC 177 bonuses: Dillashaw, Medeiros, Ferreira, Nijem win $50,000". MMAjunkie.com.
24. Damon Martin. (2015-04-22). "Ramzi Nijem meets Erik Koch at FOX UFC Fight Night in Chicago". foxsports.com.
25. Staff. (2015-06-29). "Andrew Holbrook in for Erik Koch against Ramzi Nijem at UFC on FOX 16". mmajunkie.com.
26. Brent Brookhouse. (2015-07-25). "UFC on FOX 16 results: Andrew Holbrook granted split over flabbergasted Nijem". mmajunkie.com.
27. "Andrew Holbrook def. Ramzi Nijem". MMA Decisions.
28. Jesse Holland. (2015-10-02). "Report: UFC cuts Ramzi Nijem, three others". mmajunkie.com.
29. "WSOF Signs Lightweight Star Ramsey Nijem To Multi-Fight Deal".
30. Marc Raimondi. (2017-02-15). "Joe Stevenson, James Krause, Jesse Taylor among TUF: Redemption cast members". mmafighting.com.
31. "PFL 9 Results". MMA Fighting.
32. (May 22, 2019). "Ronys Torres out of PFL 2019, Week 2 due to NYSAC issue; Ramzi Nijem gets walkover win". mmajunkie.com.
33. (July 24, 2019). "Three fighters miss weight, force changes to PFL 5 fight card". mmafighting.com.
34. Marc Raimondi. (November 21, 2019). "Failed drug tests leave 3 PFL fighters facing disciplinary action". espn.com.
35. Steven Marrocco. (December 18, 2019). "PFL vet Ramzi Nijem suspended nine months for marijuana". mmafighting.com.
36. Anderson, Jay. (2019-10-17). "PFL 8 2019 Results: Natan Schulte Puts Ramsey Nijem to Sleep".
37. Freeman, Nate. (30 July 2021). "XMMA 2 Results - Saunders vs. Nijem".
38. Sherdog.com. "Ramzi Nijem MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com".