Abdul Razak Alhassan was set in a close-call combat with Joe Pfyer, however, the American took him through a submission loop to clinch the victory in the second round. This defeat marked Razak Alhassan’s sixth defeat in his professional career. Regardless, Alhassan will be back in the Octagon but this time to fight against Cody Brundage on UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez. Ahead of his clash against Brundage, let’s have a closer look at the background of Alhassan.

Alhassan has been with the UFC for quite some time now. ‘Judo Thunder’ joined the promotion back in 2016 when he had a record of 5-0. However, his undefeated record was at as UFC soon showed him the levels of the game. ‘Judo Thunder’ is currently on a 6-6 record under the promotion. Well, enough about his fight prowess, let us have a look at his ethnicity.

What ethnicity is Abdul Razak Alhassan? All about the star’s nationality

Abdul Razak Alhassan came to this world on August 11, 1985, in Ghana Africa. So does that make him of African descent? Certainly yes. The fighters actually have African roots. The struggles of his father back in Ghana and Liberia gave him a newfound presence of his Ghanaian origin.

‘Judo Thunder’s ethnic background is quite diverse Alhassan has always been proud of his African as well as Ghanaian roots. He has always represented Ghana on the global stage whenever he fought professionally. ‘Judo Master’ started his MMA training at a very young age with Judo as his base. After training Judo for 22 years, Alhassan decided to transition to MMA and he has never looked back since then.

Well, enough about his professional career and ethnicity, what about his parents? Well, the story of his fighting career is nothing less than a Hollywood story, and yes it’s tragic as well. Let’s have a look at his troubled childhood.

Exploring African UFC star’s early life and parents

Abdul Razak Alhassan’s backstory is nothing less than a rollercoaster ride. ‘Judo Thunder’ career started when he witnessed the life of his parents. His father’s story was the reason why he wanted to be a fighter and give them a good life. Alhassan was just a kid when his father, Garba Alhassan, who was a small-time trader moved to Liberia for better trading opportunities, however, things turned downhill as he got himself entangled in the first Liberian civil war.

It was very hard for our family,” Alhassan said. “He was there and we all loved him and then, boom, he’s gone like that and we don’t hear from him at all. We had nothing and we had to scrape by on what we could. We’d eat once a day, if we even had food.” Hard times shaped Alhassan to be the ultimate best version of himself. Just when the entire family thought Garba to be dead a ray of hope came towards them.

Years after the disappearance, a stranger came to the family with a cassette tape that Garba had recorded. They thought he might have died, however, the reality was beautiful for them, “We just said, ‘We don’t care what happened, we just want you home alive.” expressed Alhassan. The family eventually reunited. Abdul Razak Alhassan vowed to work hard and give his parents a nice home but his father passed away before his dream could materialize.