Niko Price (born September 29, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist currently fighting in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Niko Price
Born (1989-09-29) September 29, 1989 (age 34)
Cape Coral, Florida, United States
Other namesThe Hybrid[1]
ResidenceCape Coral, Florida, United States[2]
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Reach76 in (193 cm)
TeamVickery Jiujitsu and Syndicate Boxing Club
RankBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total24
Wins15
By knockout10
By submission3
By decision2
Losses7
By knockout5
By submission1
By decision1
No contests2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background edit

Born and raised in Cape Coral, Florida,[2] Price attended Mariner High School where he played linebacker for the school's football team. Upon graduating, Price began training in kickboxing, winning two bouts both via knockout.[4] Price briefly went to college, studying criminal justice.[5] He started training mixed martial arts in 2008.[5]

Mixed martial arts career edit

Early career edit

After going undefeated (9–0) as an amateur, Price made his professional MMA debut in February 2012. Before joining the UFC Price amassed a record of 8–0 with 7 of his 8 wins coming by stoppages.[6]

Ultimate Fighting Championship edit

Price made his promotional debut for the UFC at UFC 207 against Brandon Thatch. He won the fight via submission in the first round.

Price next fight came at UFC Fight Night: Bermudez vs. The Korean Zombie against Alex Morono.[7][8] He won the fight via knockout in the second round; however, this was later overturned to a no contest after he tested positive for marijuana.[9]

Price next faced Alan Jouban at UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno on August 5, 2017.[10] He won the fight via TKO in round one.[11] The win also earned Price his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[12]

Price was to face Luan Chagas on October 28, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Machida.[13] On October 6, it was announced that Chagas had pulled out of the bout due to a fractured foot and was replaced by Vicente Luque.[14] Price lost the fight via D'Arce variation of the brabo in Brazil or D’Arce choke submission after a combination of strikes had him appearing out on his feet in round two.[15]

Price faced George Sullivan January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2.[16] He won the fight by rear-naked choke submission in the second round.[17]

Price was expected to face Belal Muhammad on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131.[18] However, Price was removed from the bout on May 22 for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Chance Rencountre.[19]

Price faced Randy Brown on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 133.[20] He won the fight via knockout in the second round after landing several hammerfists from the bottom to knock Brown out.[21] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[22]

Price faced Abdul Razak Alhassan on September 8, 2018, at UFC 228.[23] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[24]

Price faced Tim Means on March 9, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 4.[25] He won via knockout in the first round, becoming the first man to finish Means by knockout in MMA competition.[26] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[27]

Price faced Geoff Neal on July 27, 2019, at UFC 240.[28] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[29]

Price faced James Vick on October 12, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 19.[30] He won the fight via knockout in round one after landing an upkick from the bottom to knock Vick out.[31] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus award.[32]

Price was expected to face Muslim Salikhov on April 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris.[33] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.[34]

On March 21, 2020, Price announced that he had signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC.[35]

Price was scheduled to face Vicente Luque in a rematch on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249.[36] However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed[37] and the bout eventually took place on May 9, 2020.[38] He lost the fight via technical knockout due to doctor stoppage in round three.[39]

Price faced Donald Cerrone on September 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 178.[40] The fight was declared a majority draw.[41] On November 4, it was announced that the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) issued a temporary suspension for Price, after he tested positive for carboxy THC in a drug test related to his fight.[42] On December 2, 2020, it was announced that the bout was overturned to no contest and Price was suspended for six months and fined $8,500.[43]

Price faced Michel Pereira on July 10, 2021, at UFC 264.[44] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[45]

As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Price faced Alex Oliveira on October 2, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 192.[46][47] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[48]

Price faced Philip Rowe on December 3, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 42.[49] After knocking Rowe down in the earlier rounds, Price lost the bout via TKO stoppage in the third.[50]

Price faced former UFC Welterweight champion Robbie Lawler on July 8, 2023, at UFC 290.[51] He was knocked out 38 seconds into the bout.[52]

Price is scheduled to face Jeremiah Wells on June 1, 2024 at UFC 302.[53]

Professional grappling career edit

Price competed against Pat Sabatini at Fury Pro Grappling 8 on December 30, 2023.[54] He lost the match by submission.[55]

Personal life edit

Niko and his wife Erica have six children.[56]

Championships and accomplishments edit

Mixed martial arts record edit

Professional record breakdown
24 matches 15 wins 7 losses
By knockout 10 5
By submission 3 1
By decision 2 1
No contests 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 15–7 (2) Robbie Lawler KO (punches) UFC 290 July 8, 2023 1 0:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 15–6 (2) Philip Rowe TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Thompson vs. Holland December 3, 2022 3 3:26 Orlando, Florida, United States Catchweight (173.5 lb) bout; Rowe missed weight.
Win 15–5 (2) Alex Oliveira Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Walker October 2, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 14–5 (2) Michel Pereira Decision (unanimous) UFC 264 July 10, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
NC 14–4 (2) Donald Cerrone NC (overturned) UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley September 19, 2020 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Price was deducted one point in round 1 for repeated eye pokes. Originally a majority draw; overturned after Price tested positive for carboxy THC.
Loss 14–4 (1) Vicente Luque TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 249 May 9, 2020 3 3:37 Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Win 14–3 (1) James Vick KO (upkick) UFC Fight Night: Joanna vs. Waterson October 12, 2019 1 1:44 Tampa, Florida, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 13–3 (1) Geoff Neal TKO (punches) UFC 240 July 27, 2019 2 2:39 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 13–2 (1) Tim Means KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. dos Santos March 9, 2019 1 4:50 Wichita, Kansas, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 12–2 (1) Abdul Razak Alhassan KO (punch) UFC 228 September 8, 2018 1 0:43 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 12–1 (1) Randy Brown KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov July 14, 2018 2 1:09 Boise, Idaho, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 11–1 (1) George Sullivan Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 January 27, 2018 2 4:21 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Loss 10–1 (1) Vicente Luque Submission (D’Arce choke) UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Machida October 28, 2017 2 4:08 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 10–0 (1) Alan Jouban TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno August 5, 2017 1 1:44 Mexico City, Mexico Performance of the Night.
NC 9–0 (1) Alex Morono NC (overturned) UFC Fight Night: Bermudez vs. The Korean Zombie February 4, 2017 2 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States Originally a KO (punch) win for Price; overturned after he tested positive for marijuana.
Win 9–0 Brandon Thatch Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 207 December 30, 2016 1 4:30 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–0 Willie Hosch Decision (unanimous) Fight Time 32 August 12, 2016 3 5:00 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 7–0 Jose Caceres TKO (punches) Fight Time 30 April 22, 2016 1 1:31 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Defended the Fight Time Welterweight Championship.
Win 6–0 Maurice Salmon TKO (punches) Fight Time 26 July 17, 2015 1 2:38 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Won the Fight Time Welterweight Championship.
Win 5–0 Michael Lilly TKO (punches) Fight Time 23 February 6, 2015 2 1:05 Miami, Florida, United States
Win 4–0 Danilo Padilha Da Silva TKO (punches) Fight Time 21 November 7, 2014 1 0:22 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 3–0 David Hayes TKO (punches) Fight Time 20 August 29, 2014 1 3:07 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 2–0 Mikerson Lindor TKO (punches) Fight Time 19 May 30, 2014 1 4:59 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 1–0 Alejandro Gomez Submission (armbar) Fight Time 8 February 17, 2012 1 2:49 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

[60]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Sherdog.com. "Niko". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
  2. ^ a b Jim Norton (April 20, 2020). "Niko Price & Bryce Mitchell" (Podcast).
  3. ^ Ben Fowlkes (December 30, 2016). "UFC 207 results: Niko Price taps Brandon Thatch with first-round arm-triangle choke". MMAjunkie.com.
  4. ^ "Cape Coral native Niko Price brings exciting MMA fighting style to Tampa event".
  5. ^ a b "Niko Price". ufc.com.
  6. ^ Sherdog.com. "Niko". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-06-17.
  7. ^ Staff (2017-01-24). "Niko Price replaces Sheldon Westcott at UFC Fight Night 104 in Houston". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  8. ^ Steven Marrocco (2017-02-04). "UFC Fight Night 104 results: Niko Price puts Alex Morono away with KO at Round 2 buzzer". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-02-04.
  9. ^ "Three UFC Houston fighters pop for marijuana". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-06-17.
  10. ^ http://forums.ufcfightclub.com/topic/193460-alan-jouban-vs-niko-price-at-mexico-city-card/ [user-generated source]
  11. ^ "UFC Fight Night 114 results: Niko Price TKOs Alan Jouban in 1st round to stay unbeaten". MMAjunkie. 2017-08-06. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  12. ^ Staff (2017-08-06). "UFC Fight Night 114 bonuses: New record holder Dustin Ortiz among 4 fighters to earn $50K". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  13. ^ "Three fights added to UFC Sao Paulo". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
  14. ^ DNA, MMA (6 October 2017). "Vicente Luque pakt short notice gevecht tegen Niko Price in São Paulo". mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2017-10-07.
  15. ^ "UFC Fight Night 119 results: Vicente Luque taps Niko Price with brilliant D'Arce choke". MMAjunkie. 2017-10-29. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
  16. ^ "With new additions, UFC Fight Night Charlotte card now boasts 11 bouts". charlotteobserver. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
  17. ^ "UFC on FOX 27 results: Niko Price chokes out George Sullivan in second round". MMAjunkie. 2018-01-27. Retrieved 2018-01-28.
  18. ^ Staff (2018-04-11). "UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica gets two new bouts". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
  19. ^ Staff (2018-05-22). "Belal Muhammad gets new opponent for UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  20. ^ Mark La Monica (2018-06-05). "Queens' Randy Brown booked for UFC Boise". newsday.com. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  21. ^ "Watch Niko Price's incredible and violent hammerfist knockout from his back at UFC Boise". MMAjunkie. 2018-07-15. Retrieved 2018-07-15.
  22. ^ a b "UFC Fight Night 133 bonuses: You know Niko Price's hammerfists got him $50,000". MMAjunkie. 2018-07-15. Retrieved 2018-07-15.
  23. ^ Staff (2018-08-09). "Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Niko Price added to UFC 228 in Dallas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  24. ^ "UFC 228 results: Abdul Razak Alhassan blasts Niko Price in just 43 seconds". MMAjunkie. 2018-09-09. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  25. ^ DNA, MMA (2 February 2019). "Violence Alert!! Niko Price vs. Tim Means toegevoegd aan UFC Wichita". Retrieved 2019-02-02.
  26. ^ Pearson, Andrew (2019-03-09). "Price KO's Means Outta Nowhere in Insane One-Round War". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  27. ^ a b Pearson, Andrew (2019-03-09). "UFC Fight Night 146 results: Junior dos Santos finishes Derrick Lewis in back-and-forth battle". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  28. ^ Farah Hannoun (2018-06-26). "Geoff Neal to fight Niko Price at UFC 240 in Edmonton". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-06-26.
  29. ^ Evanoff, Josh (2019-07-27). "UFC 240 Results: Geoff Neal Finishes Niko Price". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  30. ^ King, Nolan (2019-08-26). "James Vick moves to welterweight, fights Niko Price at UFC on ESPN+ 19". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-08-26.
  31. ^ Evanoff, Josh (2019-10-12). "UFC Tampa Results: Niko Price Knocks Out James Vick With Upkick". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
  32. ^ a b "UFC on ESPN+ 19 bonuses: Cub Swanson-Kron Gracie slugfest earns 'Fight of the Night'". MMA Junkie. 2019-10-13. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
  33. ^ Farah Hannoun (2020-02-13). "Niko Price vs. Muslim Salikhov added to UFC on ESPN+ 30 in Portland". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  34. ^ Nolan King and John Morgan (2020-03-15). "UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  35. ^ @Nikohybridprice (March 21, 2020). "BREAKING NEWS!!! I forgot to mention I signed a new 4 fight contract 🙏🏼 I'm so blessed and thankful for the @ufc ! I'll be sure to keep it entertaining for you guys! #ufc #newcontract #LetsGo #glorytogod" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  36. ^ ATSteveDuncan (2020-04-07). "Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price anunciado para UFC 249". MMA.uno , #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español. (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  37. ^ Brett Okamoto (2020-04-09). "Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  38. ^ "REVISED – UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje Fight Card | MMAWeekly.com". 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
  39. ^ Doherty, Dan (2020-05-09). "UFC 249 Results: Vicente Luque and Niko Price Deliver Fight of the Year Candidate". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
  40. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2020-08-14). "Donald Cerrone vs. Niko Price set for Sept. 19 UFC show". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
  41. ^ Martin, Damon (2020-09-19). "UFC Vegas 11 results: 'Cowboy' Cerrone vs. Niko Price ends in majority draw after eye-poke point deduction". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  42. ^ John Morgan (2020-11-04). "Kevin Croom, Jose Flores issued NAC suspensions for marijuana use; Niko Price also cited". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  43. ^ Damon Martin (December 2, 2020). "Niko Price suspended six months after testing positive for marijuana, 'Cowboy' Cerrone fight overturned to no-contest". mmafighting.com.
  44. ^ Fight, Ag (2021-05-27). "UFC encaminha Michel Pereira vs Niko Price para evento liderado por McGregor". uol.com.br. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
  45. ^ Behunin, Alex (2021-07-10). "UFC 264 Results: Michel Pereira Defeats Niko Price In An Absolute Banger Fight". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
  46. ^ John Morgan (2021-08-24). "Alex 'Cowboy' Oliveira vs. Niko Price set for UFC Fight Night 192". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
  47. ^ Niko Price [@Nikohybridprice] (August 24, 2021). "Me vs Olivera October 2nd!!! Also signed a new contract baby! You guys get at least 4 more fights outta me and I'll make them all entertaining!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-10-02). "UFC Vegas 38 Results: Niko Price Wins Decision Over Alex Oliveira". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
  49. ^ Nolan King (2022-10-11). "Niko Price returns after 14-month layoff, faces Phil Rowe at UFC Orlando". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
  50. ^ Dewar, Val (3 December 2022). "UFC Orlando: Phil Rowe Mounts Comeback, Stops Niko Price in Third". Cageside Press. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  51. ^ "UFC 290 adds Robbie Lawler vs. Niko Price, Dan Hooker vs. Jalin Turner". MMA Junkie. 2023-04-21. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
  52. ^ Rush, Dylan (2023-07-08). "UFC 290: Robbie Lawler Triumphant in Retirement Fight, Floors Niko Price". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
  53. ^ Martinez, Diego (2024-04-04). "Niko Price vs. Jeremiah Wells incluido a UFC 302 - MMA al Día - Noticias de UFC, MMA y Boxeo" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-04-05.
  54. ^ Lindsey, Alex (7 December 2023). "Fury Pro Grappling 8 Lineup Stars Top MMA Fighters And BJJ Black Belts". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  55. ^ "Fury Pro Grappling 8 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  56. ^ Dann Stupp (January 26, 2018). "Don't tell UFC on FOX 27's Niko Price – or his four kids – what they can do". mmajunkie.com.
  57. ^ "UFC Fight Night 114 bonuses: New record holder Dustin Ortiz among 4 fighters to earn $50K". MMAjunkie. 2017-08-06. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  58. ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for October: A crushing upkick finish". mmajunkie.com. November 3, 2019.
  59. ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for May: A rematch delivers in spades". mmajunkie.com. June 3, 2020.
  60. ^ Sherdog.com. "Niko". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-10-13.

External links edit