Drakkar Klose is an American mixed martial arts fighter known for his impressive performances in the UFC Lightweight division. Born on March 9, 1988, in South Haven, Michigan, Klose has established himself as a formidable competitor in the world of MMA.
His journey began with a successful wrestling career during high school, where he showcased his skills and dedication by winning a state championship in 2005. After attending North Idaho College and transferring to Lindenwood University, Klose made the decision to move to Arizona to pursue his dreams in mixed martial arts.
In late 2016, Klose signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), marking a significant milestone in his career. He made his UFC debut on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103, securing a unanimous decision victory against Devin Powell.
Continuing his winning streak, Klose triumphed in subsequent fights against Marc Diakiese and Lando Vannata, displaying his versatility and determination in the octagon. However, he faced a setback on December 2, 2017, at UFC 218, where he lost to David Teymur via unanimous decision.
Undeterred, Klose bounced back with wins against Bobby Green and Christos Giagos, showcasing his resilience and skill set. Unfortunately, he faced a knockout loss in the second round in a rematch against Beneil Dariush on March 7, 2020, at UFC 248.
Overcoming various obstacles, including canceled bouts due to COVID-19 and injuries, Klose returned to the octagon on April 16, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 34, where he delivered an impressive technical knockout victory against Brandon Jenkins in the second round.
Recently, on July 30, 2022, Klose showcased his prowess once again at UFC 277, where he secured a unanimous decision win over Rafa Garcia.
With a professional MMA record of 13 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, Klose exemplifies determination, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He trains at Fight Ready MMA in Arizona and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, further highlighting his dedication to mastering various aspects of the sport.
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Born on March 9, 1988, in South Haven, Michigan, Drakkar Klose had a promising start in the world of sports, particularly in wrestling. During his high school years, Klose showcased his talent and dedication, ultimately achieving great success on the wrestling mat. In 2005, he secured a state championship title, solidifying his position as a formidable competitor.
After completing high school, Klose continued his educational journey, enrolling at North Idaho College. It was during his time at college that his passion for wrestling grew even stronger. Klose’s skills on the mat flourished as he honed his technique and strategized his moves.
Seeking further opportunities to pursue his athletic aspirations, Klose transferred to Lindenwood University. However, it was not long before he realized that his true calling lay in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Determined to make his mark in the MMA arena, Klose relocated to Arizona, where he would embark on his professional fighting career.
Klose’s impressive background in wrestling laid a solid foundation for his transition to MMA. Armed with his wrestling skills and unwavering determination, he caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and signed with the organization in late 2016. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his athletic journey.
Stay tuned for the next section, where we delve into Klose’s transition to MMA and his debut in the UFC.
Transition to MMA and UFC Debut
After his successful wrestling career, Klose decided to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, which led him to join the prestigious UFC. With his background in wrestling, Klose possessed the strength, agility, and discipline necessary to excel in the sport. In January 2017, he made his UFC debut at Fight Night 103, where he faced Devin Powell in a lightweight bout.
The fight showcased Klose’s versatility and adaptability as he utilized his grappling skills to secure a unanimous decision victory over Powell. The win marked the beginning of Klose’s journey in the UFC and set the stage for an exciting career in the world of MMA.
Klose’s early success in the UFC was a testament to his dedication and work ethic. He continued to hone his skills, focusing on striking and improving his overall technique. His commitment paid off as he went on to secure impressive wins against notable opponents such as Marc Diakiese and Lando Vannata, establishing himself as a rising star in the lightweight division.
“After his successful wrestling career, Klose decided to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, which led him to join the prestigious UFC.”
As Klose’s career progressed, he faced both victories and setbacks. Despite encountering a loss against David Teymur at UFC 218, Klose remained determined and resilient. He rebounded with wins against Bobby Green and Christos Giagos, demonstrating his ability to overcome challenges and bounce back stronger than ever.
Return to Success
Unfortunately, Klose’s momentum was temporarily halted by a knockout loss against Beneil Dariush at UFC 248. However, Klose’s determination and resilience were once again evident as he persevered through a series of canceled fights due to COVID-19 and nursing injuries.
On April 16, 2022, Klose returned to the octagon and proved his mettle with a technical knockout victory over Brandon Jenkins in the second round. It was a triumphant comeback for Klose, showcasing his skill, determination, and ability to overcome adversity.
Most recently, Klose competed at UFC 277 on July 30, 2022, where he secured a unanimous decision win against Rafa Garcia, further solidifying his standing in the lightweight division.
Notable Victories and Setbacks
Klose’s journey in the UFC has been marked by impressive victories and occasional setbacks that have shaped his career. Throughout his time in the promotion, he has faced a wide range of opponents and showcased his skills in the Lightweight division.
One of Klose’s notable victories came in his UFC debut on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103. He faced Devin Powell and secured a unanimous decision win, setting the tone for his future performances in the Octagon. Klose’s ability to implement his game plan and dominate his opponent earned him recognition as a promising fighter in the division.
Following his debut win, Klose continued his momentum with two more impressive victories. He defeated Marc Diakiese and Lando Vannata, both via unanimous decision. These wins demonstrated Klose’s versatility and ability to adapt to different fight styles, solidifying his position among the top contenders in the Lightweight division.
However, Klose also experienced setbacks in his UFC career. He faced David Teymur on December 2, 2017, at UFC 218 and suffered a unanimous decision loss. This defeat served as a learning experience for Klose, highlighting areas for improvement and motivating him to come back stronger in future bouts.
Training and Achievements
Klose’s success as an MMA fighter is a result of his dedication to training and his notable achievements in various martial arts disciplines.
At Fight Ready MMA in Arizona, Klose undergoes rigorous training sessions to enhance his skills and physical conditioning. Known for his explosive striking and solid grappling, he incorporates a wide range of martial arts techniques into his training, including kickboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
With his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Klose has showcased his ground game prowess in several of his fights. His understanding of submissions and grappling techniques has proven to be a valuable asset in the octagon, allowing him to secure victories through submissions and dominant positions.
Klose’s achievements extend beyond the training room. Throughout his career, he has faced top-ranked opponents and consistently delivered impressive performances. His victories over notable fighters, such as Marc Diakiese and Lando Vannata, have earned him recognition among the lightweight division’s elite.
