Ramsey Nijem

Pedro Ramsey Nijem (رامزي نجم, born April 1, 1988) is an American retired mixed martial artist.

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.

A professional MMA competitor from 2008 to 2021, Nijem is perhaps best known for his 10-fight stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

He was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos and also competed in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

A Palestinian American, Nijem was born in Concord, California, but raised in Mill Creek, Washington, with two brothers.

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.

Nijem graduated with a degree in business management in 2010.

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.

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.

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.