Michigan has long been a breeding ground for talented mixed martial artists.
Many UFC fighters from Michigan have made their mark on the sport, proudly representing their home state on the global stage.
As the state continues to develop martial arts talent, one can only expect the impressive legacy of Michigan-born fighters to grow even stronger in the UFC.
This list is based on each fighter’s record in the UFC, accomplishments, and caliber of opponents.
10. Mike Perry
“Platinum” Mike Perry is truly one of a kind.
Originally from Flint, Perry made a name for himself in the competitive world of MMA.
With a professional MMA record of 14 – 8, he fought in the UFC 15 times, where he secured seven wins and faced eight losses.
He has some impressive wins over Paul Felder, Alex Oliviera, and Mickey Gall.
But came up short against the elite including Geoff Neal, Vincente Luque, and Donald Cerrone.
In 2022, Perry left the UFC and transitioned to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), proving his versatility as a martial artist.
BKFC is where Perry has really flourished beating notable fighters including Luke Rockhold and Michael “Venom” Page.
Fans of the sport eagerly watch to see what he will accomplish in the BKFC and beyond.
9. CB Dollaway
CB Dollaway is most known for being a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter season 7.
At the time, he was seen as a major prospect and a favorite to win the show.
Unfortunately, he lost in the finals to Amir Sadollah.
But Dolloway went on to have a good career in the UFC going 11 – 9 overall.
Throughout his career, Dollaway has demonstrated exceptional skill and athleticism, consistently engaging in highly competitive fights.
He has wins over Hector Lombard, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, and Cezar Ferreira.
But like Perry, he struggled when he faced elite guys like Lyoto Machida, Michael Bisping, and Tim Boetsch.
Dolloway is also only one of two fighters to ever pull off a Peruvian Necktie submission in the UFC.
His strength was always his wrestling though and he used it to great effect in many fights over the years.
As a TUF finalist and with a competitive record, he undoubtedly deserves a spot among the top 10.
8. Myles Jury
Myles Jury was another guy who was seen as a major prospect at one point in his career.
In fact, he was 15 – 0 with 6 wins in a row in the UFC.
Unfortunately, things would take a turn for the worse when he had to face Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.
After the loss to Cowboy, Jury struggled and his UFC record fell to 8 – 4.
He ended up losing to Charles Oliviera and Chad Mendes, who are some of the best fighters in the world.
Jury’s wins are still very impressive, including elite fighters like Michael Johnson, Diego Sanchez, and Takanori Gomi.
He has since moved on to Bellator, but his run in the UFC was exciting.
7. Cody Stamann
Cody Stamann, also known as “The Spartan”, hails from Sparta, Michigan.
He has made a name for himself in the stacked Bantamweight division, with a record of 7 – 5 – 1 in the UFC.
Before joining the UFC, Cody compiled a professional record of 14 – 1.
In his fights, he has showcased his striking abilities while standing, in the clinch, and on the ground.
He has huge wins over Bryan Caraway, Tom Duquesnoy, and Eddie Wineland.
But like many other fighters on this list, he’s come up short against elite guys like Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvi, and Said Nurmagomedov.
Bantamweight is full of killers though and Stamann has proven he can hang with the best on many occasions.
As a prominent talent in the Bantamweight division, Cody Stamann continues to make a significant impact in the UFC and remains a standout fighter from Michigan.
6. Khaos Williams
Khaos Williams, a notable name among Michigan UFC fighters, has quickly risen through the ranks in the UFC’s Welterweight division.
With an impressive record of 5 wins and 2 losses in the UFC, this talented prospect shows immense potential.
Born in Jackson and fighting out of Detroit, Khaos Williams has made a name for himself with his powerful striking, and exciting finishes.
Williams’ first two fights in the UFC lasted less than a minute. He knocked out Alex Morono in 27 seconds and Abdul Razak Alhassan in 30 seconds.
While he’s had a few setbacks in the UFC, Williams is still young and continues to hone his skills at the reputable Murcielago MMA gym.
Khaos Williams presents an inspiring journey for both fans and fellow Michigan MMA fighters, as his hard work and dedication exemplify the path to success in this challenging sport.
As he moves forward in his career, there is no doubt that the future remains bright for this Welterweight prospect.
5. Drakkar Klose
Drakkar Klose, a Lightweight fighter, has shown major potential in the UFC.
With his impressive record of 7 wins and 2 losses in the organization, he has proven to be a promising prospect.
Born and raised in Michigan, Klose began his professional fighting career in 2014.
His fight style makes him an exciting athlete to watch, and he has garnered the attention of both fans and the UFC alike.
Some key moments in Klose’s career include winning the Performance of the Night award after a TKO in round two against Brandon Jenkins.
He also has impressive wins over other prospects including Lando Vanatta, Bobby Green, and Marc Diakiese.
Keep an eye on this Lightweight sensation as he continues to rise in the rankings and make his mark on the MMA world.
4. Kevin Lee
Kevin Lee, an accomplished name among UFC fighters from Detroit has made a significant impact on the UFC scene.
Lee’s record in the UFC stands at 11 – 7 overall.
But at one time, his UFC record was 9 – 2 and he was riding a 5-fight win streak in the super competitive Lightweight division.
This earned him an Interim Lightweight title shot against Tony Ferguson.
The fight was back and forth and it looked like Lee may even finish Ferguson in the first round.
But in the end, Ferguson got the victory.
After the loss, Lee struggled in the UFC aside from a vicious first-round head kick KO over Gregor Gillespie.
He ended up leaving the UFC but has since returned.
And since he’s still young and growing as a fighter, the future remains bright for “The Motown Phenom.”
3. Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill is not originally from Michigan but moved there when he was 12 and currently fights out of Grand Rapids.
Hill competes in the Light-Heavyweight division and holds the prestigious title of the UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion.
Since joining the UFC, Hill has demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a remarkable record of 7 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest within the organization.
His overall professional MMA record stands at 12 – 1, with 1 NC.
Hill’s crowning achievement came at UFC 283 when he faced veteran fighter Glover Teixeira in the main event and emerged victorious.
The epic battle took place at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, solidifying Hill’s position as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
Michigan is proud to have Jamahal Hill represent them in UFC, proving the state’s capability of producing top-notch fighters.
With an impressive track record, Hill continues to make his mark.
2. Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson is also not originally from Michigan, but grew up there and wrestled at Central Michigan University.
His UFC record is 15 – 6 overall, but he’s widely considered to be one of the best Lightweights of all time.
He made quite a name for himself in the Lightweight division, where he held the Interim Lightweight Championship and vied for it again later in his career.
Ferguson was also scheduled for a highly anticipated clash against Khabib Nurmagomedov for the Lightweight Championship.
Unfortunately, the fight never materialized despite multiple bookings due to various circumstances.
Ferguson’s journey in the UFC began with a triumphant win on the acclaimed reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he emerged as the TUF Season 13 winner.
This victory propelled him into the UFC, where he continued to impress fans and opponents alike.
One of the most outstanding achievements in Ferguson’s career is his impressive 12-fight win streak, highlighting his perseverance, skill, and dedication.
This includes wins over Rafael Dos Anjos, Kevin Lee, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, and many more.
As a top UFC fighter hailing from Michigan, Tony Ferguson has exhibited the true spirit of a mixed martial artist.
His achievements make him an extraordinary example for aspiring fighters to emulate.
1. Dan Severn
Dan “The Beast” Severn, a native of Coldwater, Michigan, is one of the most decorated fighters to emerge from the state.
With a professional MMA record of 101 – 19 – 7, he is best known for his success in the early years of the UFC.
Among his UFC accomplishments, Severn has a record of 9 – 4, making him a formidable competitor in the organization.
Severn gained prominence by winning the UFC 5 tournament, which showcased his skills and tenacity.
His relentless drive to succeed led him to further triumphs, including the Ultimate Ultimate 95 tournament.
This particular event pitted champions and runner-ups against each other to determine the true champion of the sport.
Severn’s performance cemented his reputation as one of the premier fighters of his time.
Aside from his impressive tournament wins, he also secured the prestigious Superfight Championship.
By defeating “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock, in a rematch, he solidified his position as a top-tier competitor.
This victory allowed Severn to become the only UFC Triple Crown champion in history, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
Dan Severn’s impact on the UFC extended beyond the tournaments and titles he collected.
As a pioneer in the sport, he fought for the first-ever UFC Heavyweight Championship.
Although he did not win the title, his participation in this historic event helped shape the future of the UFC and pave the way for generations of fighters to come.
Dan Severn’s impressive career, multitude of achievements, and contributions to the sport of MMA make him an undisputed top UFC fighter from Michigan.
His dedication and prowess have left a mark on the sport, culminating in his well-deserved place at the top of any list of great Michigan-based UFC fighters.
Conclusion
The state of Michigan has produced numerous exceptional athletes in different sports, and the world of MMA is no exception.
These MMA fighters from Michigan have made their mark in the UFC, showcasing their talent, skill, and determination in the octagon.
These fighters have solidified their status in the sport, frequently appearing in the top rankings and earning recognition and respect from their opponents and fans alike.
Their journeys in the UFC have been marked by impressive victories and hard-fought battles, proving that Michigan is a fertile ground for producing top-tier MMA talent.
These fighters have also positively impacted the local MMA scene, inspiring more athletes to take up the sport, join renowned gyms, and contribute to the growth and development of the MMA community in Michigan.
Their relentless pursuit of greatness has paved the way for future generations of fighters and solidified Michigan’s place as a breeding ground for world-class talent in the realm of MMA.
