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Lightweight Division

Active

"The Savage"

AJ Cunningham

Lightweight Division

11-4-0 (W-L-D)

4

Wins by Knockout

4

Wins by Submission

AJ Cunningham

athlete record

Info

Learn more about AJ Cunningham's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.

Status
Active
Place of Birth
Phoenix, United States
Age
29
Height
70.00
Weight
155.50
Octagon Debut
Mar. 2, 2024
Reach
71.00
Leg reach
41.00
  • Pro since 2018
     
  • Four wins by KO, four by submission (2 RNC, armbar, triangle)
     
  • Five first-round finishes
     
  • Has won four of his last five
     
  • Reported 11-4 amateur record
     
  • Origin of nickname: “It was given to me by my home / first gym. I had "savage" across the brow of my pickup truck and they made fun of me for it. (Laughs) It sucked real bad when I first started, so it was like they were mocking me.” 

Dana White's Contender Series, Season 7

Episode six (9/12/23) Cunningham was stopped by Steven Nguyen via strikes at 4:06 of the second round

When and why did you start training for fighting? My first fight was on the fairgrounds in Paragould, Arkansas back in April 2015. I have always craved the structure and hard work you can find in sports. MMA provides this mix with the mentality I was trained to have. I knew early on I was meant for this. 

Do you have any heroes? My heroes are my parents and those that follow the Bible and do good deeds on this Earth. 

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This is my life; this is the legacy that my future children and nephews and nieces will brag about. This is who I am and what I was meant to do. It means the world to me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Went to college and started the nursing program, but it wasn't for me.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked on the assembly line at Bad Boy Mowers

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Four-time amateur champion

Favorite grappling technique: Any big slams or triangles

Favorite Striking technique: Spinning elbows and mean ass knees