Volkan Oezdemir Losses: UFC Light Heavyweight’s Career Defeats and Record

Volkan Oezdemir is all set to fight Johnny Walker at UFC Saudi Arabia. Standing on top of the 9th spot in the UFC light heavyweight rankings, the Swiss mixed martial artist is gearing up to claim the light heavyweight championship title. But this time, he will lead the main card at UFC Saudi Arabia, on 22nd June 2024. 

The fighter from Switzerland boasts a record of 19 wins and 7 losses. His last fight against Bogdan Guskov ended with Oezdemir achieving a successful rear naked choke and claiming the victory within the first round, in just below 4 minutes. Currently, on a 1-fight winning streak, the fighter is, without a doubt, looking to claim victory against Walker. But today, let’s shift our focus towards the defeats that Oezdemir has faced in his fighting career.

Volkan Oezdemir’s MMA losses: How many times has he been defeated

Oezdemir has faced a total of 7 losses in his mixed martial arts career, up till now. Out of those 7 defeats, 6 happened inside the Octagon. His last defeat came at the hands of Nikita Krylov at UFC 280, via unanimous decision. Before that, he lost his bout against the fearsome Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 267, again via a unanimous decision. At UFC 267, Jiri Prochazka defeated ‘No Time’ with a phenomenal overhand right punch. Prochazka ensured that his opponent was down within a mere 49 seconds in the second round. 

Oezdemir hasn’t failed to impress the fighting community. In fact, the mixed martial artist went on a 3-fight winning streak before he first tasted defeat in the UFC. It is the expected outcome when one is facing the former champion, Daniel Cormier, at UFC 220. ‘No Time’ earned a title shot and took on the man who held the championship belt. However, DC defeated Oezdemir in the second round of their bout, defending his LHW championship title as he outwrestled Oezdemir and won via TKO by ground and pound.

Oezdemir’s next outing also resulted in a loss as he faced Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 138. The Swiss fighter was left with no choice but to tap out as Smith closed his grip around Oezdemir’s neck and executed an impressive rear naked choke in round 3. Needless to say, ‘No Time’ gave it his all. But it was the American fighter who seemingly had superior grappling prowess.

Dominick Reyes was the one who handed Oezdemir his third loss in the MMA promotion. The duo fought each other with great vigor at UFC on ESPN+ 5. However, two of the judges scored in favor of Reyes and Oezdemir lost the bout via a split decision. 

But what about Oezdemir’s career before he stepped into the Ultimate Fighting Championship? He was previously associated with Bellator FC, Valhalla, Lions FC and more. Let’s find out how many fights the Swiss fighter has lost outside the bounds of the Octagon.

Has Oezdemir lost outside the UFC?

Volkan Oezdemir has won all of his fights in his professional career outside the UFC, except one. He was running on an impressive 10-fight winning streak when he faced his first-ever defeat as a pro. At Bellator 115, Oezdemir faced off against Kelly Anundson. Even though Oezdemir fought valiantly, he lost the bout as Anundson pulled out a neck crank in the second round. 

Needless to say, ‘No Time’ was also defeated during his time as an amateur. He has an amateur MMA record of 2-2-0. Surprisingly, his first-ever fight in the world of mixed martial arts was a loss, as Reinout Koelemey choked him out at Battle Under The Tower 2006. After winning the next couple of fights, the Swiss fighter faced another loss at the hands of Timo Kartunen at Shooto Holland, in 2009. 

Now, Oezdemir gets steady to land against Walker in his upcoming bout. Will the Swiss man defeat Walker and go on to a 2-fight winning streak? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.