Steven Nguyen with his family during Thanksgiving 2019. Photo: X / Steven Nguyen

Born in 1993 in Wichita, Kansas, Steven Nguyen is the son of Vietnamese immigrants. His childhood was steeped in Vietnamese cultural values and the strict upbringing of parents who wanted their children to follow traditional academic paths. However, even as a high school student, Nguyen was passionate about martial arts and began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) as a hobby.

"My parents initially didn't accept my pursuit of professional martial arts," Nguyen shared in a 2019 interview with The Body Lock. "At first, they weren't supportive at all. My dad is a pharmacist, works in the medical field, but he used to say, 'If you break your arm or get injured, don't come to me.' But I always felt this was the path for me, and I wanted to represent the Vietnamese community on the world stage."

Despite the disapproval, Nguyen didn't argue. He persevered with his training and let his actions speak for themselves. He also completed his studies and earned a degree from Wichita State University, which reassured his family. His persistence and dedication gradually changed his parents' perspective. "Now they're my biggest fans. I feel truly lucky," he expressed.

Steven Nguyen celebrates his victory over Theo Rlayang at Dana White's Contender Series on 22/9/2021.

After graduating, Nguyen moved to Dallas, Texas, to join Fortis MMA, one of the top martial arts academies in the US, which has trained numerous elite UFC fighters. There, he began his full-time professional training under top coaches like Sayif Saud, who has mentored several big names in the UFC.

Nguyen began competing professionally in 2016, quickly making a name for himself with a string of victories in lower-level MMA events. He appeared three times on Dana White's Contender Series, a competition to scout potential UFC fighters. However, his journey was filled with challenges, as he wasn't offered a contract in his first two attempts (2019 and 2021).

It wasn't until his third attempt, in 9/2023, that Nguyen finally secured a UFC contract after an impressive knockout victory at DWCS 62. "It was a long journey. I thought I'd never get the chance," he told MMA Junkie.

Nguyen faced further setbacks, losing to Dutch fighter Jarno Errens by split decision in his UFC debut at Fight Night in 3/2024.

But in his second UFC fight, at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on 26/7, Nguyen made a statement. In the first round, he landed 47 significant strikes to the head, knocking down Mohammad Yahya six times, setting a new record for knockdowns in a single UFC fight. The previous record was five, held by Forrest Petz in his win over Sammy Morgan in 2006 and Jeremy Stephens in his victory over Gilbert Melendez in 2017.

Nguyen went on to win by technical knockout in the second round and earned a Performance of the Night bonus of 50,000 USD.

Steven Nguyen lands a blow to UAE fighter Mohammed Yahya, winning by TKO at UFC Fight Night in the UAE on the evening of 26/7/2025. Photo: LLC

The 1993-born fighter competes in the featherweight division (66kg) and is known for his switch stance, reach, and precise striking.

"I don't just want to win, I want to dictate the fight and show my opponents they have no chance to counterattack," Nguyen once stated on NY Fights.

Beyond technique, he's also recognized for his mental fortitude. Despite facing powerful counterattacks in his fight against Yahya, Nguyen maintained his pace and pressure, preventing his opponent from turning the tables. His perseverance and resilience, characteristic of the Vietnamese spirit, are evident in the octagon.

With his impressive victory in Abu Dhabi, Nguyen is solidifying his position in the featherweight division, which includes big names like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Yair Rodriguez. If he maintains his form and continues training with Fortis MMA in Dallas, he could aim for the top 15 and, further down the line, a title shot.

Before Nguyen, fighters like Cung Le, Ben Nguyen, and Phan Si Nhat Nam competed in the UFC and built a positive image for Vietnamese martial arts internationally. Now, Steven Nguyen is the next source of pride – a young, skilled, and determined fighter with Vietnamese-American heritage.

"I want the Vietnamese people to have someone to look up to. I want to be a role model for them," Nguyen told The Body Lock. "I have a responsibility and a priority to represent my country and my people every time I step into the cage. I'm excited to have that opportunity, that platform to do the right thing for the community. And I'll do it to the best of my ability."

Compiled by Hong Duy