Who Is Jimi Manuwa? Height, Weight, 6 Things About The UFC Martial Artist

Quick Facts

The distinctively tenacious mixed martial artist Jimi Manuwa fought his way to #5 in the official UFC light heavyweight rankings in 2018. He is known for his swift and tricky moves on the ring which has taken him to great heights on the platform. Manuwa who combats in Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) light heavyweight division did not take so much time to master the skills needed for his dream sports.

After he started training in 2007, he made his ring debut in 2008 and proved himself beyond comparisons. The UFC fighter has also won a large fan base many of whom are intrigued by his life on and outside the ring. From his background to his success story, several questions about the mixed martial artist have been raised among fans who are really interested in him. Starting with the frequently asked:

Who is Jimi Manuwa?

He is a UFC mixed martial artist who was born on February 18, 1980. He began his career in 2007 when he started training in mixed martial arts. Shortly after he began his training, he started fighting under the Ultimate Challenge MMA platform in the UK and soon became a champion in the platform. His next stint was on the BAMMA platform where he won Frenchman Antony Rea via TKO.

After turning down several offers to fight at the UFC, Manuwa later signed under the platform in 2012. He made his debut at UFC on Fuel TV 5 where he battled against Kylie Kingsbury and won via TKO just after two rounds. Manuwa set out on a winning spree winning his second fight against Cyrille Diabate the following year. He won again in 2013 at the fight against Ryan Jimmo but lost the fight against Alexandra Gustafsson in 2014 via TKO.

Jimi sustained an injury that year and pulled out of his bout against Mauricio Rua. He returned in 2015 to win the fight against Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night 64. He faced Blachowicz again in a rematch in March 2018 but lost the fight via unanimous decision. Jimi so far has recorded 17 wins out of 21 fights; 15 out of the 17 wins were via knockouts.

Body Measurements –  Height, Weight

Jimi Manuwa stands at a tall height of 6ft 1in (1.85m) which is quite proportional to his weight of 93 kg. His reach measures 79 inches. No doubt, he summons his physique and might to maximum use whenever he has a bout with any fighter.

Here are 6 Things to Know About the UFC Martial Artist

1. Ethnicity

Jimi Manuwa is British by nationality but of Nigerian descent (Yoruba ethnicity). His full name at birth is Babajimi. He was born in California but spent time in Nigeria before he went to London at the age of 10.

2. Troubled Childhood

Manuwa had a rather peculiar childhood which took a toll on him and his family at the time. His family had moved from the US to Nigeria due to hard times but when Jimi was 10, they moved to London and enrolled him in a school. Jimi at the time was a controversial and weird kid who got into fights and engaged in several acts of youthful exuberance. Wanting to make money the fast way, he would burgle, shoplift, steal people’s belongings and lots more – acts that constantly got him in trouble with the police. He was imprisoned in 2002 and was released in 2003.

3. Charity

Jimi Manuwa did not settle with fighting on the ring alone. He sought to create establishments that will not only function commercially but help other people discover themselves. In 2011 he established Lion’s Pride MMA, the gym. Having known the troubles that come with adolescent age, Jimi also trains young aspiring mixed martial artists hoping to make it in the sports.

4. Love Life

Although he seems so entangled with his career, Jimi Manuwa makes out time for his family and love life. He is married to Nina Quaranta. With his loving wife Nina, Manuwa has four children – three daughters; Marni, Isabella, and Havana, and a son, Jaydon.

5. Net Worth

Manuwa has watched his financial status grow over the years. For each of his bouts, Manuwa goes home with nothing less than $250,000. Jimi’s career earnings have been estimated at $673,000 and this figure will continue to rise. His net worth is also estimated at $500,000.

6. Accomplishments

Some of Manuwa’s very impressive records include a two-time win at Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night. His first win was against Alexander Gustafsson and the second was against Jan Błachowicz. Also under the platform, he has won two times; first against Ovince Saint Preux and second against Corey Anderson. Under the MMA platform, Manuwa has clinched five titles and has grabbed one UCMMA Light Heavyweight Championship.

Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in the world with full biography and details.