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Tyson Nam

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Tyson Nam
Born (1983-10-06) October 6, 1983 (age 41)
Waimanalo, Hawaii, United States
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight135 lb (61 kg; 9 st 9 lb)
DivisionFlyweight (2015–present)
Bantamweight (2006–present)
Fighting out ofPortland, Oregon, United States
TeamSports Lab (2011–2016)[1]
Team Quest (until 2016)[1] Hawaii Elite MMA (2016–2021)[2]
Gracie Technics (2021–present)[3]
Years active2006–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total38
Wins23
By knockout15
By submission1
By decision7
Losses14
By knockout3
By submission1
By decision10
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Tyson Nam (born October 6, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2006, Nam has formerly competed for the UFC, World Series of Fighting, Elite XC, and King of the Cage.

Background

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Born and raised in Waimanalo, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Nam competed in various sports from a young age and began training in judo at the age of six before he began boxing in high school, then transitioned to kickboxing, before turning his focus to mixed martial arts. Nam attended and graduated from the University of Hawaii.[4][5][6]

Mixed martial arts

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Early career

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Nam began his professional MMA career in the Hawaii-based promotion, ICON Sport. Nam compiled a 3–1 record in the promotion during 2006 and was then signed to compete in Elite XC, in which he recorded a decision victory. Nam then fought in various other promotions, such as King of the Cage, before he was signed by Bellator Fighting Championships. Nam was signed in March 2011 as a short-notice replacement in the promotion's season 6 bantamweight tournament, after the original participant, Rodrigo Lima was forced to withdraw. However, Lima was later declared able to compete and was re-entered into the tournament, forcing Nam out.[7] Bellator then apparently promised Nam a spot in the season 7 tournament, according to Nam's trainer, Phil Claud. However, in June, Nam was informed that the competition had been cancelled and he was released from his contract[7]

Mainstream attention

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Nam then took a fight in Brazil against the Bellator Bantamweight Champion, Eduardo Dantas. Dantas had been permitted by Bellator to fight against Nam, as the fight took place outside of the United States and wouldn't be aired on television in the U.S. either.[8] The fight was in the Shooto Brazil promotion, in an event that served as a fundraiser for the "Batalhao de Operacoes Policiais Especiais" (Special Police Operations Battalion), which was Rio de Janeiro's military special forces.[9] Just days prior to the bout, Dantas was ranked as the seventh best bantamweight in the world by Sherdog,[10] making this Nam's most notable opponent to date. During the fight, Nam kept the action standing. Dantas attacked with multiple knees, before attempting a flying knee. After Dantas threw one more standing knee, Nam connected with a counter right hook which knocked Dantas unconscious.[9]

Contract controversy

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After his win over Dantas, Nam began to receive attention from various other promotions. However, it was announced that Bellator still had the right to match any contract offers he received from other promotions for up to 18 months after the contract expiration.[7][11] Insider sources claimed that Bellator, UFC and the newly formed "World Series of Fighting" promotion had all showed interest in signing Nam.[12] Though Bellator had previously released Nam without him ever participating in a fight, they took out the clause to enable them to attempt to re-sign Nam.[11] This led to controversy and criticism about their contract-matching clause, especially after Nam revealed in an interview that he wanted to join the UFC,[13] stating "I'm hoping the next time you guys see me fight is in the UFC."[13]

Nam was apparently offered a spot in Bellator's next Bantamweight tournament, but Nam's management advised against it, given the two failed appearances prior.[7] Nam's trainer, Phil Claud, also commented on the situation, stating: "Bellator is basically saying that they want to sit on Tyson. They want him to go into the tournament, which would not be matching the other fight agreements. We don't want to go into the tournament. This is the third tournament that's been promised to Tyson. Basically, they were saying if you don't (sign the tournament contract), we'll give you an individual fight deal sitting on [him] for a year."[7] Claud also hinted that Bellator would sue Nam if the clause was violated.[14]

After the UFC had tried to sign Nam and been made aware of the contract clause, UFC president, Dana White stated: "When you made the decision to cut him, you cut him. That's one of the dirtiest things you can do in the fight business. [Tyson Nam] is not going to make or break the UFC. But the problem is, the dirty scumbag moves that these guys are pulling hurts the fighter."[15] Bellator CEO, Bjorn Rebney, later defended his contractual clauses, saying "The essence of them is that you're not asking to restrict a fighter's ability to fight. You're not looking to hold somebody back from participating. All you're asking for is, look, if we give you an incredible opportunity to fight our champion in a non-title fight, or we give you a great opportunity to be on TV, we at least want what most promoters believe is fair – the ability just to match another offer. Not to give you less, but to give you what somebody else is offering, and they're in every single agreement we have, and I think they're probably in every single agreement the UFC has, as well."[16]

Despite Bellator's stance on the clauses, it was announced on September 26, 2012, Bellator had declined to match the second offer[17] made by the World Series of Fighting promotion and that Nam had officially signed with WSOF.[12][14]

World Series of Fighting

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After Nam signed with the World Series of Fighting promotion, it was announced that his debut fight would be against the winner of the Miguel Torres vs. Marlon Moraes fight at WSOF 1 in November.[12] Following Moraes' victory, Moraes and Nam met at World Series of Fighting 2 on March 23, 2013. Nam lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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After more than a decade as a professional mixed martial artist, Nam signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on short notice to replace injured Alex Perez against Sergio Pettis on September 21, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 17.[18] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[19]

Nam faced Kai Kara-France on February 23, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 168.[20] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[21]

Nam was expected to face Ryan Benoit on June 13, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo.[22] However, on June 9, 2020, Benoit withdrew from the bout for unknown reason and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Zarrukh Adashev.[23] At the weigh-ins on June 12, Adashev missed weight, weighing in at 138.5 pounds, 2.5 over the non-title bantamweight limit of 136 pounds. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Adashev was fined 20% of his purse.[24] Nam won the bout via knockout just 32 seconds into the first round.[25] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[26]

Nam was expected to face Matt Schnell on September 12, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 177.[27] However, Schnell was removed from the fight on the day of the event's weigh-in for health issues related to his weight cut. As a result, the fight was cancelled.[28]

Nam faced Jerome Rivera on September 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 178.[29] He won the fight via technical knockout early into the second round.[30]

The bout with Schell was rescheduled and was expected to take place on December 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 183.[31] In turn, the contest eventually took place on January 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 20. Nam lost the bout by split decision.[32]

Nam was scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov on June 19, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 25.[33] However, the bout was never officially announced by the promotion and the matchup will not take place on the card due to a recent undisclosed illness for Ulanbekov.[34]

The pair was rescheduled to meet on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38[35] but Ulanbekov pulled out due to undisclosed injury.[35]

Nam faced Ode' Osbourne on August 13, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 41.[36] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[37] This win earned him a Performance of the Night award.[38]

Nam faced Bruno Gustavo da Silva on March 11, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 221.[39] He lost the fight via technical submission due to a rear-naked choke in round two.[40]

Nam faced Azat Maksum on July 15, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 224.[41] He lost the fight via split decision.[42]

After the bout, it was announced that Nam was no longer on the UFC roster.[43]

Post UFC

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In his first bout post UFC release, Nam faced Mark Coates on March 29, 2024 at Front Street Fights 28, knocking Coates out at the end of the first round.[44]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Personal life

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Nam's older brother, Jason Nam, a professional bodybuilder, was shot and killed outside of his apartment on March 10, 2006. Jason Nam was also engaged to his fiancé at the time.[4]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
38 matches 23 wins 14 losses
By knockout 15 3
By submission 1 1
By decision 7 10
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 23–14–1 Erik Vo TKO (punches to the body) Destiny MMA: Bad Blood 2 July 12, 2024 1 2:56 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 22–14–1 Mark Coates TKO (punch) Front Street Fights 28 March 29, 2024 1 4:39 Boise, Idaho, United States Return to Bantamweight.
Loss 21–14–1 Azat Maksum Decision (split) UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Bueno Silva July 15, 2023 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 21–13–1 Bruno Gustavo da Silva Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili March 11, 2023 2 1:23 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21–12–1 Ode' Osbourne KO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz August 13, 2022 1 2:59 San Diego, California, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 20–12–1 Matt Schnell Decision (split) UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny January 20, 2021 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Return to Flyweight.
Win 20–11–1 Jerome Rivera TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley September 19, 2020 2 0:34 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 19–11–1 Zarrukh Adashev KO (punch) UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo June 13, 2020 1 0:32 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Bantamweight; Adashev missed weight (138.5 lb). Performance of the Night.
Loss 18–11–1 Kai Kara-France Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker February 23, 2020 3 5:00 Auckland, New Zealand
Loss 18–10–1 Sergio Pettis Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Stephens September 21, 2019 3 5:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 18–9–1 Shojin Miki Decision (unanimous) X-1 World Events 55: MMA Independence Day July 3, 2019 5 5:00 Waipahu, Hawaii, United States Won the vacant X1 World Events Flyweight Championship.
Win 17–9–1 Donald Gonzalez TKO (punches) X-1 World Events 54: Champions 4 April 27, 2019 2 1:03 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Bantamweight bout.
Loss 16–9–1 Zhalgas Zhumagulov Decision (unanimous) Fight Nights Global 86: Nam vs. Zhumagulov April 1, 2018 5 5:00 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Win 16–8–1 Rizvan Abuev KO (punch) Fight Nights Global 75: Deák vs. Chistyakov October 6, 2017 1 4:45 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 15–8–1 Ali Bagautinov KO (head kick) Fight Nights Global 64: Nam vs. Bagautinov April 28, 2017 3 4:59 Moscow, Russia
Draw 14–8–1 Yoni Sherbatov Draw (majority) Destiny MMA: Trinity April 22, 2016 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 14–8 Ian Dela Cuesta Decision (split) Destiny MMA: Trinity Sports Combat October 30, 2015 3 5:00 Kapolei, Hawaii, United States Flyweight debut. Won the vacant Destiny MMA Flyweight Championship.
Win 13–8 Arnold Berdon KO (punch) Destiny MMA: Na Koa 10 August 1, 2015 1 4:52 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 12–8 Fernando Vieira Decision (unanimous) XFC International 8 December 13, 2014 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 12–7 Jeremiah Labiano Decision (unanimous) WCFC 11: Mitchell vs. Major September 13, 2014 5 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States For the WCFC Bantamweight Championship.
Loss 12–6 Cody Bollinger Decision (unanimous) WSOF 8 January 18, 2014 3 5:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States
Loss 12–5 Marlon Moraes KO (head kick and punches) WSOF 2 March 23, 2013 1 2:55 Atlantic City, New Jersey United States
Win 12–4 Eduardo Dantas KO (punch) Shooto Brazil 33 August 25, 2012 1 1:36 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 11–4 Chanti Johnson Decision (unanimous) CageSport 16 October 1, 2011 3 5:00 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win 10–4 Chuck Jordan TKO (punches) Sportfight: Brawl at the Barn September 9, 2011 1 0:52 Prineville, Oregon, United States
Win 9–4 Chanti Johnson TKO (punches) Square Ring Promotions July 29, 2011 1 0:45 Grand Ronde, Oregon, United States
Loss 8–4 Jesse Brock Decision (unanimous) Sportfight 29: All In January 28, 2011 5 5:00 Grand Ronde, Oregon, United States
Loss 8–3 Keola Silva Decision (majority) Galaxy MMA: Worlds Collide May 1, 2010 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 8–2 Nick Honstein TKO (punches) Sportfight 27: Wild Card March 12, 2010 2 3:31 Grand Ronde, Oregon, United States
Win 7–2 Zach Lari Decision (unanimous) Arena Rumble: Horn vs. Guida September 12, 2009 3 5:00 Spokane, Washington, United States
Win 6–2 Zach Skinner KO (punches) KOTC: Thunderstruck August 15, 2009 1 4:58 Everett, Washington, United States
Win 5–2 Butch McGavran Submission (rear-naked choke) Carnage at the Creek 6 June 6, 2009 1 3:26 Shelton, Washington, United States
Loss 4–2 Russell Doane TKO (punches) ICON Sport: Baroni vs. Hose March 15, 2008 1 2:33 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 4–1 Albert Manners Decision (unanimous) EliteXC: Uprising September 15, 2007 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 3–1 Mark Oshiro TKO (punches) ICON Sport: Mayhem vs. Trigg December 1, 2006 1 2:16 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 3–0 Ikaika Silva Decision (unanimous) ICON Sport: Mayhem vs. Lawler September 2, 2006 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 2–0 Bill Dexter Decision (unanimous) ICON Sport: Mayhem vs. Giant May 26, 2006 3 3:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 1–0 Ryan Lee TKO (punches) ICON Sport: Lawler vs. Niko 2 February 25, 2006 3 1:01 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

References

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  1. ^ a b Steven Marrocco (October 28, 2017). "How Tyson Nam went from big-show flameout to 'The King of Russia'". MMAjunkie.com.
  2. ^ Alexander K. Lee (October 22, 2017). "Tyson Nam talks upset victories, UFC dream, and nearly fighting Demetrious Johnson". mmafighting.com.
  3. ^ Mick Hammond (June 15, 2021). "Tyson Nam says he has the tricks and tools to beat Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Vegas 29". mmaweekly.com.
  4. ^ a b "Nam draws inspiration from slain brother - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper". the.honoluluadvertiser.com.
  5. ^ "Hostile territory: Bantamweight prospect Tyson Nam interview exclusive with MMAmania.com".
  6. ^ "tyson nam -". mmaorient.wordpress.com. 22 September 2012.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Following knockout of promotions champ, Tyson Nam facing potential Bellator lawsuit". mmajunkie.com. August 31, 2012. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012.
  8. ^ "Video: Bellator champion Eduardo Dantas knocked out by Tyson Nam in Brazil". mmamania.com. August 26, 2012.
  9. ^ a b "Tyson Nam knocks out Bellator champ Eduardo Dantas at Shooto Brazil 33". mmajunkie.com. August 26, 2012. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012.
  10. ^ "Sherdog's official Mixed Martial Arts rankings (bantamweight)". sherdog.com. August 22, 2012.
  11. ^ a b "Rebney defends Bellator's right to match offers on released fighters Tyson Nam, Roger Hollett". sherdog.com. September 27, 2012.
  12. ^ a b c "Tyson Nam signs with World Series of Fighting; will meet winner of Torres-Moraes in January". mmafighting.com. October 3, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "Tyson Nam hopes upset of Bellator champ Eduardo Dantas leads to call from UFC". mmajunkie.com. August 27, 2012. Archived from the original on October 30, 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Tyson Nam appears headed to World Series of Fighting after Bellator declines to match offer". mmajunkie.com. September 26, 2012. Archived from the original on September 30, 2012.
  15. ^ "UFC open to Anthony Johnson return, but Bellator fighters off limits due to "despicable deals"". mmajunkie.com. September 23, 2012. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012.
  16. ^ "Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney explains contract matching in wake of Tyson Nam ordeal". mmajunkie.com. September 13, 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012.
  17. ^ "Bantamweight Tyson Nam signs with WSOF; draws winner of Miguel Torres-Marlon Moraes". sherdog.com. October 4, 2012.
  18. ^ Nolan King (August 27, 2019). "UFC on ESPN+ 17: Tyson Nam gets call after 28 pro fights, meets Sergio Pettis". mmajunkie.com.
  19. ^ "UFC on ESPN+ 17 play-by-play and live results". MMA Junkie. 2019-09-21. Retrieved 2019-09-22.
  20. ^ MMA Fighting Newswire (December 26, 2019). "Kai Kara-France vs. Tyson Nam confirmed for UFC Auckland". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  21. ^ Evanoff, Josh (February 22, 2020). "UFC Auckland Results: Kai Kara-France Outpoints Tyson Nam". Cageside Press. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  22. ^ "Flyweight partij tussen Ryan Benoit en Tyson Nam toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 13 juni". MMA DNA. 24 May 2020. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  23. ^ "With Ryan Benoit out of UFC on ESPN 10, Zarrukh Adashev steps in to fight Tyson Nam". MMA Junkie. 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  24. ^ Bryan Tucker (June 12, 2020). "UFC on ESPN 10 weigh-in video". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  25. ^ Bitter, Shawn (2020-06-13). "UFC on ESPN 10 Results: Tyson Nam Crushes Debuting Zarrukh Adashev". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-06-14.
  26. ^ a b Lee, Alexander K. (2020-06-14). "UFC on ESPN 10 bonuses: Marvin Vettori leads pack of first-time winners". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-06-14.
  27. ^ Farah Hannoun (2020-07-03). "Matt Schnell vs. Tyson Nam joins UFC's September 12 lineup". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  28. ^ "Weight-cutting issues scrap Tyson Nam from Matt Schnell fight at UFC on ESPN+ 35". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. 2020-09-11. Retrieved 2020-09-11.
  29. ^ Steve Duncan (2020-09-12). "Tyson Nam vs. Jerome Rivera agregado a UFC Vegas 11". mma.uno (in Spanish). Retrieved 2020-09-13.
  30. ^ Bitter, Shawn (2020-09-19). "UFC Vegas 11 Results: Tyson Nam Scores Second-Round TKO of Jerome Rivera". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  31. ^ Nolan King (2020-10-25). "UFC books Matt Schnell vs. Tyson Nam for Dec. 19 event in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-10-25.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ Jay Anderson (2021-01-20). "UFC Fight Island 8 Results: Matt Schnell Turns Up the Volume Against Tyson Nam". cagesidepress. Retrieved 2021-01-20.
  33. ^ Nolan King and John Morgan (2021-03-24). "Tagir Ulanbekov to fight Tyson Nam at UFC event on June 19". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  34. ^ Harkin, Jamie (2022-08-13). "MMA Twitter Reacts To Tyson Nam's Flawlessly Timed KO Of Osbourne". MMA News | UFC News, Results & Interviews. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  35. ^ a b "Tyson Nam schedule to fight Dagestan's Tagir Ulanbekov – Hawaii Fighter News – It's Fight Week Hawaii!! Xclusive MMA". 14 April 2022. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  36. ^ Mike Heck (2022-06-26). "Ode Osbourne vs. Tyson Nam added to UFC San Diego". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  37. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-08-13). "UFC San Diego: Tyson Nam Crushes Ode Osbourne with Right Hands". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  38. ^ a b Alexander K. Lee (2022-08-13). "UFC San Diego bonuses: Nate Landwehr, David Onama earn 'Fight of the Night' for unbelievable battle". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  39. ^ Mike Heck (2022-11-16). "Tyson Nam vs. Bruno Silva set for March 11 UFC event". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  40. ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-03-11). "Front Kick Stuns Tyson Nam, Bruno Silva Finishes with Choke at UFC Las Vegas". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
  41. ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-04-25). "Undefeated Azat Maksum Draws Tyson Nam for UFC Debut on July 15". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  42. ^ Bitter, Shawn (2023-07-15). "UFC Vegas 77: Debuting Azat Maksum Stays Undefeated in Close Split Decision Win Over Tyson Nam". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  43. ^ "Tyson Nam removed from UFC after tough battle with Azat Maksum | Betting Planet". 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  44. ^ "Video: Former UFC fighter Tyson Nam hits devastating one-punch knockout in first fight since release". MMA Junkie. 2024-03-30. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
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