Jimi Manuwa
Jimi Manuwa
Jimi Manuwa, born Babajimi Abiola Manuwa on February 18, 1980, in Sacramento, California, is a retired English mixed martial artist of Nigerian descent. Known by his nickname "Poster Boy", Manuwa competed in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He began his MMA career in 2008 and quickly gained attention for his knockout power, securing 15 of his 17 victories by knockout. Manuwa's fighting style was characterized by aggressive striking and a relentless forward approach, earning him a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the division.
Throughout his career, Manuwa achieved notable victories, including wins over fighters like Ovince Saint Preux and Corey Anderson. He was awarded Performance of the Night bonuses for his impressive finishes. Despite facing setbacks against top contenders such as Alexander Gustafsson and Volkan Oezdemir, Manuwa remained a prominent figure in the UFC's light heavyweight division. His highest ranking was #4 in the official UFC light heavyweight rankings in 2017.
Reflecting on his approach to fighting, Manuwa once stated, "I don't think anyone hits as hard as I do in the light heavyweight division." He also emphasized his commitment to aggressive fighting, saying, "I'm a 'come forward' kind of guy, I will never fight any other way and I don't think I could learn anything different either." These quotes encapsulate his philosophy of relentless aggression and confidence in his striking abilities.