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Niko Price
View on WikipediaNicholas Gordon "Niko" Price[3] (born September 29, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist currently fighting in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Key Information
Background
[edit]Born and raised in Cape Coral, Florida,[4] 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.[5] Price briefly went to college, studying criminal justice.[6] He started training mixed martial arts in 2008.[6]
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.[7]
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.[8][9] 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.[10]
Price next faced Alan Jouban at UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno on August 5, 2017.[11] He won the fight via TKO in round one.[12] The win also earned Price his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[13]
Price was to face Luan Chagas on October 28, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Machida.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16]
Price faced George Sullivan January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2.[17] He won the fight by rear-naked choke submission in the second round.[18]
Price was expected to face Belal Muhammad on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131.[19] However, Price was removed from the bout on May 22 for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Chance Rencountre.[20]
Price faced Randy Brown on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 133.[21] He won the fight via knockout in the second round after landing several hammerfists from the bottom to knock Brown out.[22] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[23]
Price faced Abdul Razak Alhassan on September 8, 2018, at UFC 228.[24] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[25]
Price faced Tim Means on March 9, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 4.[26] He won via knockout in the first round, becoming the first man to finish Means by knockout in MMA competition.[27] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[28]
Price faced Geoff Neal on July 27, 2019, at UFC 240.[29] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[30]
Price faced James Vick on October 12, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 19.[31] He won the fight via knockout in round one after landing an upkick from the bottom to knock Vick out.[32] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus award.[33]
Price was expected to face Muslim Salikhov on April 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris.[34] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.[35]
On March 21, 2020, Price announced that he had signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC.[36]
Price was scheduled to face Vicente Luque in a rematch on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249.[37] However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed[38] and the bout eventually took place on May 9, 2020.[39] He lost the fight via technical knockout due to doctor stoppage in round three.[40]
Price faced Donald Cerrone on September 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 178.[41] The fight was declared a majority draw.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44]
Price faced Michel Pereira on July 10, 2021, at UFC 264.[45] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[46]
As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Price faced Alex Oliveira on October 2, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 192.[47][48] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[49]
Price faced Philip Rowe on December 3, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 42.[50] After knocking Rowe down in the earlier rounds, Price lost the bout via TKO stoppage in the third.[51]
Price faced former UFC Welterweight champion Robbie Lawler on July 8, 2023, at UFC 290.[52] He was knocked out 38 seconds into the bout.[53]
Price was scheduled to face Jeremiah Wells on June 1, 2024 at UFC 302.[54] However, Wells was pulled from the bout and was replaced with Alex Morono in a rematch.[55] Price won the fight by unanimous decision.[56]
Price faced Themba Gorimbo on October 12, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 244.[57] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[58]
Price faced Jacobe Smith on June 28, 2025 at UFC 317.[59] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.[60]
Professional grappling career
[edit]Price competed against Pat Sabatini at Fury Pro Grappling 8 on December 30, 2023.[61] He lost the match by submission.[62]
Personal life
[edit]Niko and his wife Erica have six children.[63] On June 1, 2024 at the UFC 302 press conference, Price confirmed that he and his wife are expecting their seventh child.[64]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (Four times) vs. Alan Jouban, Randy Brown, Tim Means and James Vick[65][23][28][33]
- UFC Honors Awards
- UFC.com Awards
- 2018: Ranked #9 Knockout of the Year vs. Randy Brown[67]
- 2019: Ranked #4 Knockout of the Year vs. James Vick[68]
- 2020: Ranked #10 Fight of the Year vs. Vicente Luque 2[69]
- MMAJunkie.com
- 2019 October Knockout of the Month vs. James Vick[70]
- 2020 May Fight of the Month vs. Vicente Luque[71]
Mixed martial arts record
[edit]| 27 matches | 16 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 10 | 5 |
| By submission | 3 | 2 |
| By decision | 3 | 2 |
| No contests | 2 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 16–9 (2) | Jacobe Smith | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 317 | June 28, 2025 | 2 | 4:03 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 16–8 (2) | Themba Gorimbo | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira | October 12, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 16–7 (2) | Alex Morono | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 302 | June 1, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| 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 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Sherdog.com. "Niko". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
- ^ Ben Fowlkes (December 30, 2016). "UFC 207 results: Niko Price taps Brandon Thatch with first-round arm-triangle choke". MMAjunkie.com.
- ^ "Niko Price (MMA): next fight, last fight result, MMA record (table)". champinon.info. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ Jim Norton (April 20, 2020). "Niko Price & Bryce Mitchell" (Podcast).
- ^ "Cape Coral native Niko Price brings exciting MMA fighting style to Tampa event".
- ^ a b "Niko Price". UFC. Archived from the original on 2020-07-02. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "Niko". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-06-17.
- ^ Staff (2017-01-24). "Niko Price replaces Sheldon Westcott at UFC Fight Night 104 in Houston". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Three UFC Houston fighters pop for marijuana". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-06-17.
- ^ http://forums.ufcfightclub.com/topic/193460-alan-jouban-vs-niko-price-at-mexico-city-card/ [user-generated source]
- ^ "UFC Fight Night 114 results: Niko Price TKOs Alan Jouban in 1st round to stay unbeaten". MMAjunkie. 2017-08-06. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Three fights added to UFC Sao Paulo". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
- ^ DNA, MMA (6 October 2017). "Vicente Luque pakt short notice gevecht tegen Niko Price in São Paulo". mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2017-10-07.
- ^ "UFC Fight Night 119 results: Vicente Luque taps Niko Price with brilliant D'Arce choke". MMAjunkie. 2017-10-29. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
- ^ "With new additions, UFC Fight Night Charlotte card now boasts 11 bouts". charlotteobserver. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
- ^ "UFC on FOX 27 results: Niko Price chokes out George Sullivan in second round". MMAjunkie. 2018-01-27. Retrieved 2018-01-28.
- ^ Staff (2018-04-11). "UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica gets two new bouts". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ Staff (2018-05-22). "Belal Muhammad gets new opponent for UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
- ^ Mark La Monica (2018-06-05). "Queens' Randy Brown booked for UFC Boise". newsday.com. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
- ^ "Watch Niko Price's incredible and violent hammerfist knockout from his back at UFC Boise". MMAjunkie. 2018-07-15. Retrieved 2018-07-15.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Staff (2018-08-09). "Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Niko Price added to UFC 228 in Dallas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
- ^ "UFC 228 results: Abdul Razak Alhassan blasts Niko Price in just 43 seconds". MMAjunkie. 2018-09-09. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
- ^ DNA, MMA (2 February 2019). "Violence Alert!! Niko Price vs. Tim Means toegevoegd aan UFC Wichita". Retrieved 2019-02-02.
- ^ Pearson, Andrew (2019-03-09). "Price KO's Means Outta Nowhere in Insane One-Round War". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Farah Hannoun (2018-06-26). "Geoff Neal to fight Niko Price at UFC 240 in Edmonton". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-06-26.
- ^ Evanoff, Josh (2019-07-27). "UFC 240 Results: Geoff Neal Finishes Niko Price". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
- ^ King, Nolan (2019-08-26). "James Vick moves to welterweight, fights Niko Price at UFC on ESPN+ 19". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-08-26.
- ^ Evanoff, Josh (2019-10-12). "UFC Tampa Results: Niko Price Knocks Out James Vick With Upkick". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Farah Hannoun (2020-02-13). "Niko Price vs. Muslim Salikhov added to UFC on ESPN+ 30 in Portland". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
- ^ Nolan King and John Morgan (2020-03-15). "UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
- ^ @Nikohybridprice (2020-03-21). "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Brett Okamoto (2020-04-09). "Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
- ^ "REVISED – UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje Fight Card | MMAWeekly.com". 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2020-08-14). "Donald Cerrone vs. Niko Price set for Sept. 19 UFC show". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Damon Martin (December 2, 2020). "Niko Price suspended six months after testing positive for marijuana, 'Cowboy' Cerrone fight overturned to no-contest". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Fight, Ag (2021-05-27). "UFC encaminha Michel Pereira vs Niko Price para evento liderado por McGregor". uol.com.br. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
- ^ Behunin, Alex (2021-07-10). "UFC 264 Results: Michel Pereira Defeats Niko Price In An Absolute Banger Fight". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- ^ John Morgan (2021-08-24). "Alex 'Cowboy' Oliveira vs. Niko Price set for UFC Fight Night 192". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ Niko Price [@Nikohybridprice] (August 25, 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.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-10-02). "UFC Vegas 38 Results: Niko Price Wins Decision Over Alex Oliveira". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Dewar, Val (3 December 2022). "UFC Orlando: Phil Rowe Mounts Comeback, Stops Niko Price in Third". Cageside Press. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ "UFC 290 adds Robbie Lawler vs. Niko Price, Dan Hooker vs. Jalin Turner". MMA Junkie. 2023-04-21. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
- ^ Rush, Dylan (2023-07-08). "UFC 290: Robbie Lawler Triumphant in Retirement Fight, Floors Niko Price". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Martin, Damon (2024-04-18). "UFC 302 adds several fights to Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier card". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
- ^ Dewar, Val (2024-06-02). "UFC 302: Niko Price Raises Hand Again in Rematch With Alex Morono". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ Drake Riggs (2024-07-19). "Morning Report: Conor McGregor says Michael Chandler fight 'is rescheduled for the end of this calendar year' - Fight Announcements". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ^ Jay Anderson (2024-10-12). "UFC Vegas 98: Themba Gorimbo Cruises to Victory Over Niko Price". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ Mathew Riddle (2025-06-14). "Huge prospect fight reportedly added to UFC 317". si.com. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ^ Mathis Desjardins (2025-06-28). "UFC 317: Jacobe Smith Submits Niko Price, Stays Undefeated". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ Lindsey, Alex (7 December 2023). "Fury Pro Grappling 8 Lineup Stars Top MMA Fighters And BJJ Black Belts". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
- ^ "Fury Pro Grappling 8 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Napoleone, Dylan; Law, Eddie; Law, Dylan Napoleone and Eddie (2024-06-02). "Niko Price Not Slowing Down Following Morono Victory". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "UFC Fight Night 114 bonuses: New record holder Dustin Ortiz among 4 fighters to earn $50K". MMAjunkie. 2017-08-06. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
- ^ UFC Staff (2019-12-31). "UFC Knockout of 2019 (UFC Honors Nominees)". UFC. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
- ^ Thomas Gerbasi (January 4, 2019). "The Biggest Knockouts of 2018". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- ^ Thomas Gerbasi (January 2, 2020). "Ten Best - The Knockouts of 2019". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 24, 2020). "The 2020 Awards: 10 Best Fights". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for October: A crushing upkick finish". mmajunkie.com. November 3, 2019.
- ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for May: A rematch delivers in spades". mmajunkie.com. June 3, 2020.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "Niko". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
External links
[edit]- Niko Price at UFC
- Niko Price at Sherdog
- Niko Price at Tapology.com
- Niko Price at Fight Matrix
Niko Price
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Upbringing in Florida
Nicholas Gordon Price, known professionally as Niko Price, was born on September 29, 1989, in Cape Coral, Florida.[6] Raised in this coastal city in Southwest Florida, Price grew up in a close-knit family environment that emphasized physical toughness from an early age. He has three older brothers with whom he frequently engaged in roughhousing and play-fighting, experiences that later contributed to his resilience in combat sports.[7] Price attended Mariner High School in Cape Coral, where he participated in the school's football program as a linebacker, contributing to the team's defensive efforts during his high school years.[8] This involvement in organized sports helped shape his competitive spirit amid the local athletic culture of Lee County, known for its emphasis on football and emerging combat disciplines. The region's vibrant combat sports scene, including nearby MMA training facilities in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, provided an early backdrop of exposure to fighting arts, though Price's initial focus remained on traditional team sports.[9] These formative years in Florida's Gulf Coast community laid the groundwork for Price's transition into martial arts training after high school graduation.[4]Introduction to combat sports
Price's introduction to combat sports began shortly after his high school graduation, building on the physical conditioning he gained from playing linebacker on the football team at Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Florida. In 2008, upon completing high school, he started training in kickboxing and quickly achieved a 2-0 amateur record, securing both wins by knockout.[3][9] After briefly attending college to study criminal justice—a path he soon deemed unsuitable—Price shifted his focus to mixed martial arts in 2008. He discovered his aptitude for the sport almost immediately, having tried an introductory class where his first thrown punch convinced him of his potential in combat disciplines.[3] Price's amateur MMA career was marked by an undefeated 9-0 record, highlighted by victories that earned him the welterweight championships in Fight Time Promotions and Elite Promotions. These successes in regional promotions solidified his skills across striking, grappling, and overall fight strategy before pursuing professionalism.[3] Driven by a passion for the validation his training efforts received and a belief that fighting aligned with his natural talents, Price turned professional in 2012 with his debut fight on February 17 against Alejandro Gomez at Fight Time 8.[3][4]Fighting career
Mixed martial arts
Niko Price turned professional in 2012 and quickly established himself in the regional scene, particularly with Fight Time Promotions in Florida, where he went undefeated at 8-0 from 2012 to 2016, securing seven victories by stoppage.[4] His aggressive style, blending knockout power and submission skills, earned him the nickname "The Hybrid" as a welterweight competitor known for hybrid striking and grappling attacks.[3] Price earned a UFC contract after his dominant run and made his promotional debut against Brandon Thatch at UFC 207 on December 30, 2016, in Las Vegas, where he won by submission (arm-triangle choke) in the first round at 4:30, marking his first finish under the UFC banner.[10] He next faced Alan Jouban at UFC 216 on October 7, 2017, winning by first-round TKO (strikes) at 1:44. Following the victory, Price had a no contest against Alex Morono at UFC Fight Night on February 4, 2017, due to an eye poke. Price then suffered his first professional loss to Vicente Luque at UFC Fight Night 119 on October 28, 2017, via submission (Brabo choke) in the second round.[11] He rebounded in 2018 with a submission win over George Sullivan at UFC on Fox 27 but dropped a first-round knockout to Abdul-Razak Alhassan at UFC 228 on September 8, later that year.[11] Another highlight came on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 133, when Price knocked out Randy Brown with unorthodox hammerfists from the bottom in the second round, showcasing his unyielding resilience. In 2019, Price delivered a dramatic comeback knockout against Tim Means at UFC Fight Night 146 on March 9, absorbing heavy damage before landing a right hand at 4:50 of the first round to secure the win.[11] He followed with a first-round knockout of James Vick via upkick at UFC Fight Night 161 on October 12, but lost a unanimous decision to Geoff Neal at UFC Fight Night 154 on July 27 and a second-round TKO to Vicente Luque in their rematch at UFC 249 on May 9, 2020, where Price was warned for using illegal 12-6 elbows early in the bout—a technique later legalized by the UFC—but ultimately lost by third-round TKO (doctor's stoppage) at 3:37 after a deep cut over his right eye from Luque's strikes, sparking debate over the stoppage timing.[12] Price's UFC tenure continued with mixed results, including a no contest against Donald Cerrone on September 19, 2020 (overturned due to Price's marijuana violation). Subsequent bouts included a unanimous decision loss to Michel Pereira at UFC Fight Night on July 10, 2021; a unanimous decision win over Alex Oliveira at UFC Fight Night on October 2, 2021; a third-round TKO loss to Philip Rowe at UFC Fight Night on December 3, 2022; and a first-round knockout loss to Robbie Lawler at UFC 290 on July 8, 2023. Price notched a unanimous decision victory over Alex Morono at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024, outstriking his opponent over three rounds to improve his record.[13] However, setbacks followed with a unanimous decision defeat to Themba Gorimbo at UFC Fight Night 244 on October 12, 2024, and a second-round submission (rear-naked choke) loss to Jacobe Smith at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025. As of November 2025, Price holds a professional record of 16-9-0 with 2 no contests, maintaining his reputation for high-entertainment fights through his versatile, high-risk approach in the welterweight division.[4]Professional grappling
Niko Price made his professional grappling debut at Fury Pro Grappling 8, held on December 30, 2023, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[14] In the co-main event, a middleweight open mat bout limited to submissions, Price faced UFC featherweight Pat Sabatini.[15] The match emphasized pure grappling techniques without strikes, contrasting Price's MMA background that integrates striking with ground control.[14] Sabatini quickly transitioned to a dominant position and secured a Suloev Stretch submission on Price at 1:04 of the first round, forcing the tap.[14] This rare leg lock, targeting the knee and ankle, highlighted Sabatini's grappling expertise against Price's defensive efforts.[15] Price's participation represented an extension of his MMA grappling skills, developed through submission victories such as armbars and heel hooks in prior UFC bouts.[4] As of November 2025, Price has not competed in additional professional grappling events following his debut.[1] His training regimen, rooted in MMA camps emphasizing versatile ground work, continues to influence his approach to submission-only formats.[3]Personal life
Family
Niko Price has been married to his wife, Erica Price, for over a decade, and she has provided steadfast support throughout his professional fighting career.[16] The couple are parents to six children—Mia, Ella, Asher, Micah, Ezra, and Adalee Joy.[16] The Price family resides in Cape Coral, Florida, where Niko trains at local facilities like The Ranch Training Center, allowing his loved ones to actively support his preparation and attend nearby events.[17][18] In public statements, Price has highlighted the challenges and joys of balancing his demanding MMA training schedule with family responsibilities, crediting Erica and his children as key motivations for his continued pursuit of the sport.[16][19]Interests and residence
Niko Price continues to reside in Cape Coral, Florida, his hometown where he was born and raised.[3][8] He owns and operates Futures Mixed Martial Arts, a gym located in nearby North Fort Myers, which he opened in 2018 to support local fighters and his own training regimen.[9][20] Prior to his professional MMA career, Price briefly attended college, studying criminal justice with aspirations to become a police officer.[3][8][9] In addition to his fighting pursuits, Price owns a pressure washing business, serving as a side venture that aligns with potential post-career interests in law enforcement and community service.[3]Achievements and record
Championships and accomplishments
Niko Price captured the Fight Time Welterweight Championship on July 17, 2015, defeating Maurice Salmon via TKO (punches) in the first round at Fight Time 26 in Ocoee, Florida.[4] He successfully defended the title once on April 22, 2016, knocking out Jose Caceres in the first round at Fight Time 30 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before vacating the belt upon signing with the UFC.[21][22] In the UFC, Price has earned four Performance of the Night bonuses. He received the award at UFC Fight Night 114 on August 5, 2017, for his first-round TKO (punches) victory over Alan Jouban in Mexico City, Mexico.[23] Price received another at UFC Fight Night 133 on July 14, 2018, for his second-round TKO (hammerfists) victory over Randy Brown in Boise, Idaho.[24] He claimed a third Performance of the Night honor at UFC Fight Night 146 on March 9, 2019, for his first-round TKO (punches) victory over Tim Means in Wichita, Kansas.[25] Price earned his fourth at UFC Fight Night 161 on October 12, 2019, for a rare first-round knockout (upkick) against James Vick in Tampa, Florida.[26] Throughout his professional career, Price has demonstrated finishing prowess, securing 10 of his 16 victories by knockout or TKO as of November 2025.[4] No major professional grappling accolades have been recorded for Price.Professional MMA record
Niko Price's professional mixed martial arts record stands at 16 wins, 9 losses, and 2 no contests as of November 2025.[4] Of his wins, 10 came by knockout or technical knockout, 3 by submission, and 3 by decision.[4] His losses consist of 5 by knockout or technical knockout, 2 by submission, and 2 by decision.[4] The following table lists all of Price's professional bouts in chronological order, beginning with his debut on February 17, 2012.[4]| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2012 | Alejandro Gomez | Win | Submission (Armbar) | 1 | 2:49 | Fight Time 8 |
| May 30, 2014 | Mikerson Lindor | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:59 | Fight Time 19 |
| Aug 29, 2014 | David Hayes | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 3:07 | Fight Time 20 |
| Nov 07, 2014 | Danilo Padilha da Silva | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 0:22 | Fight Time 21 |
| Feb 06, 2015 | Michael Lilly | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 1:05 | Fight Time 23 |
| Jul 17, 2015 | Maurice Salmon | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 2:38 | Fight Time 26 |
| Apr 22, 2016 | Jose Caceres | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:31 | Fight Time 30 |
| Aug 12, 2016 | Willie Hosch | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Fight Time 32 |
| Dec 30, 2016 | Brandon Thatch | Win | Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) | 1 | 4:30 | UFC 207 |
| Feb 04, 2017 | Alex Morono | NC | No Contest (Overturned due to marijuana) | 2 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 104 |
| Aug 05, 2017 | Alan Jouban | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:44 | UFC Fight Night 114 |
| Oct 28, 2017 | Vicente Luque | Loss | Submission (Brabo Choke) | 2 | 4:08 | UFC Fight Night 119 |
| Jan 27, 2018 | George Sullivan | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 4:21 | UFC on Fox 27 |
| Jul 14, 2018 | Randy Brown | Win | KO (Punches) | 2 | 1:09 | UFC Fight Night 133 |
| Sep 08, 2018 | Abdul Razak Alhassan | Loss | KO (Punch) | 1 | 0:43 | UFC 228 |
| Mar 09, 2019 | Tim Means | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:50 | UFC Fight Night 146 |
| Jul 27, 2019 | Geoff Neal | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 2:39 | UFC 240 |
| Oct 12, 2019 | James Vick | Win | KO (Upkick) | 1 | 1:44 | UFC Fight Night 161 |
| May 09, 2020 | Vicente Luque | Loss | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | 3 | 3:37 | UFC 249 |
| Sep 19, 2020 | Donald Cerrone | NC | No Contest (Overturned due to marijuana; originally a draw) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 178 |
| Jul 10, 2021 | Michel Pereira | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 264 |
| Oct 02, 2021 | Alex Oliveira | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 193 |
| Dec 03, 2022 | Philip Rowe | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 3 | 3:26 | UFC on ESPN 42 |
| Jul 08, 2023 | Robbie Lawler | Loss | KO (Punches) | 1 | 0:38 | UFC 290 |
| Jun 01, 2024 | Alex Morono | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 302 |
| Oct 12, 2024 | Themba Gorimbo | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 244 |
| Jun 28, 2025 | Jacobe Smith | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 4:03 | UFC 317 |
