Iowa has produced some great UFC fighters who have taken part in memorable fights over the years. This look at some of the best fighters to come from this state lets us see how they’ve built up great careers and given us plenty of exciting moments to enjoy.
Have a look to see if your favorite fighter is listed here.
1. Rakim “The Boogyman” Cleveland
With 22 wins, 15 losses, and a single-tied fight in his long pro career. Rakim Cleveland has given us many thrilling moments over the last few years. Among them, came his victory over John McElroy in the IC – Iowa Challenge 75, where he was representing Des Moines MMA Academy and Gloria MMA & Fitness. A rear-naked choke gave him submission and one of his first careers wins back then.
But that was a decade ago, and more recently we’ve seen him at the North Iowa Fights – Aguayo vs. Konkol spectacle, held in Mason City in 2021. On this occasion, he beat Scott Hough on a TKO. Rakim’s now fighting out of his base in Texas, which is the state where he was born. His last fight ended in a round 1 loss to Tyrell Fortune at Bellator 277, his second consecutive loss.
At the time of writing, there’s no date or opponent listed for his next bout. During his career, he’s moved from the Titan Fighting Championship to the Legacy Fighting Championship and the Professional Fighters League. Known as The Boogeyman, Rakim came from a boxing background, with his family steeped in this sport.
However, his excellent performances on the football team led to him playing college football at Grand View University in Des Moines before he turned to MMA.
Rakim Cleveland: When the ref says fight, be ready: https://t.co/qNHSAvGj4c pic.twitter.com/cY88TtCoH9
— Victory Fighting (@VictoryFighting)