Hayder Hassan
Hayder Hassan is an American former mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2009 to 2019, he has competed for the UFC, Strikeforce, Titan FC, King of the Cage, the Xtreme Fighting Championships, Brave Combat Federation and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: [American Top Team vs. Blackzilians] as well as The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption.
Background
Born and raised in Florida, Hassan and his family were refugees from Baghdad, Iraq who relocated in 1977. His father, who was a physician, personally trekked from their home in Iraq to an American embassy. Hassan attended Cardinal [Gibbons High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)|Cardinal Gibbons High School], where he was a standout in wrestling and football before graduating from Florida State University after which he had planned to attend medical school and majored in sociology. However, after leaving his job as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical firm, he transitioned to a career in MMA and began training at the American Top Team academy in Coconut Creek.Mixed martial arts career
''The Ultimate Fighter''
Hassan competed on the 21st season of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter, representing American Top Team and making it to the final. In his first fight he defeated Andrews Nakahara via TKO in the first round. In his second fight he defeated Felipe Portela by majority decision. In his third fight he faced Vicente Luque and won via split decision.Ultimate Fighting Championship
Hassan made his debut with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on July 12, 2015 against Kamaru Usman at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale. He lost the bout via arm triangle choke submission in the second round.Hassan next faced former opponent Vicente Luque at UFC on Fox 17 on December 19, 2015. He lost the fight via anaconda choke technical submission in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.