Kamaru Usman inducted into Jim Koch Division II Hall of Fame
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman was recently recognized for his collegiate wrestling accomplishments, receiving the honor of being inducted into the Jim Koch Division II Hall of Fame.
The Hall, formerly known as the Division II Wrestling Coaches’ Association renamed was renamed the Jim Koch Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame after the legendary coach’s passing in 2017.
The Jim Koch Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was inducted at the NWCA National Convention July 30 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
The 2022 class includes three former Olympians, seven World Team members, five winners of Division II Outstanding Wrestler award, 22 NCAA Division II or College Division national titles, nine NCAA Division I finals appearances, six NCAA Division I national championships, and 30 overall NCAA Division II or College Division All-American finishes.
According to a report on UFC.com, as Division II wrestler competing at 174 pounds, Kamaru Usman “earned all-American status three consecutive years on his way to becoming a two-time NCAA Division II National finalist, earning bronze in 2008 in Cedar Rapids and silver in 2009 in Houston.
“While amassing 115 career wins at Nebraska-Kearney, the ninth most in program history, despite only competing at the school for three seasons, Usman finally earned gold at the top of the podium his senior year.
“Usman also holds two of the top three highest single season win totals in program history, recording 45 wins in the 2008-09 season and 44 in 2009-10. This helped lead Nebraska-Kearney to a Division II National title as a team in 2008.”
Usman is set to defend his UFC welterweight title against Leon Edwards at UFC 278 on August 20.
