Cameron Saaiman

Cameron Alexander Saaiman (born 20 December 2000) is a South African mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background Saaiman was born on 20 December 2000 in Pretoria, South Africa. He began training in kickboxing and mixed martial arts at the age of 12. Saaiman was a South African champion in K-1 kickboxing before focusing on MMA. His nickname, MSP, stands for "Most Savage Player" and was given to him by his coach.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Saaiman won his first five MMA bouts in the South African promotion Extreme Fighting Championship. In his fifth fight, Saaiman defeated Sindile Manengela by unanimous decision to win the EFC Bantamweight Championship.

On 23 August 2022, Saaiman faced Josh Wang-Kim at Dana White's Contender Series 51. Saaiman knocked out Wang-Kim with a punch in the third round and was awarded a contract with the UFC for his performance.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Saaiman was scheduled to make his UFC debut against Ronnie Lawrence on 10 December 2022 at UFC 282. However, Lawrence withdrew and was replaced by Steven Koslow. Saaiman won the fight by technical knockout in round three.

Saaiman then faced Leomana Martinez on 4 March 2023 at UFC 285. He was deducted a point in round two for a low blow, but nonetheless won the fight via majority decision.

Saaiman was scheduled to face Christian Rodriguez on 8 July 2023 at UFC 290. However, Rodriguez pulled out in late June due to injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer and former The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions cast member Terrence Mitchell. He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

The match between Saaiman and Christian Rodriguez was rescheduled for 14 October 2023, at UFC Fight Night 230. At the weigh-ins, Rodriguez weighed in at 140 pounds, four pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Rodriguez was fined a percentage of his purse, which went to Saaiman. Saaiman lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Saaiman faced Payton Talbott on 23 March 2024, at UFC on ESPN 53. He lost the bout in the second round via technical knockout.

Saaiman faced promotional newcomer Malcolm Wellmaker on 26 April 2025 at UFC on ESPN 66. He lost the fight by knockout in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (one time) Extreme Fighting Championship EFC Bantamweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Malcolm Wellmaker KO (punch) UFC on ESPN: Machado Garry vs. Prates

Kansas City, Missouri, United States Loss

Payton Talbott TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Ribas vs. Namajunas

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Christian Rodriguez Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Yusuff vs. Barboza

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Terrence Mitchell TKO (punches) UFC 290

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Leomana Martinez Decision (majority) UFC 285

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Steven Koslow TKO (knees and punches) UFC 282

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Josh Wang-Kim KO (punch) Dana White's Contender Series 51

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Sindile Manengela Decision (unanimous) EFC 94

Johannesburg, South Africa Win

Roevan De Beer TKO (punches) EFC 92

Johannesburg, South Africa Win

Billy Oosthuizen Submission (rear-naked choke) EFC 85

Johannesburg, South Africa Win

Zwelibanzi Ngema TKO (punches) EFC 84

Pretoria, South Africa Win

Corne Blom TKO (punches) EFC 83

Pretoria, South Africa