Jai Herbert

Jai Kyle Herbert (born 13 May 1988) is an English mixed martial artist who currently fights in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former Cage Warriors lightweight champion and also competed in BAMMA.

Background Herbert was born in Wolverhampton, England. He spent 14 years as a scaffolder and worked a full-time job while competing as an amateur and professional. He didn't turn to full-time fighting until signing with the UFC. As an amateur fighter, Herbert competed at welterweight and didn't consider the strain of a weight cut to be worthwhile at such a level. In August 2020, Herbert was part of Wolverhampton Wanderers' kit launch.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career After going 9–1 as an amateur, Herbert made his professional MMA debut in 2015. He recorded consecutive second-round knockouts with Full Contact Contender and later signed a four-fight contract with BAMMA.

On 14 November 2015, Herbert made his promotional debut at BAMMA 23 and beat Ben Bennett via knockout in the second round. On 14 May 2016, he earned a second round submission against Tony Morgan at BAMMA 25. On 16 December, he suffered his first loss against future UFC fighter Rhys McKee in a lightweight title bout at BAMMA 27.

In February 2017, Herbert was due to face Steve Owens at BAMMA 28, but his opponent was forced to withdraw with illness the day before. On 12 May, Herbert beat Rick Selvarajah at BAMMA 29 via knockout in the second round.

In late 2017, Herbert voiced his displeasure about BAMMA's matchmaking. Due to an over-booking of fights by the promotion, Herbert saw a scheduled bout cancelled at late notice due to the number of tickets sold by the fighters. He announced he would not fight under the BAMMA promotion again and subsequently signed with Cage Warriors. He was due to face Marc Diakiese as a replacement at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards in March, but the event was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 25 July 2020 Herbert faced Francisco Trinaldo at UFC on ESPN 14. He lost the fight via knockout in round three.

Herbert faced Renato Moicano on 26 June 2021 at UFC Fight Night 190. He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two.

Herbert faced Khama Worthy on 23 October 2021 at UFC Fight Night 196. He won the bout via TKO in round one.

Herbert was scheduled to face Mike Davis on 19 March 2022 at UFC Fight Night 204. However, Davis withdrew from the bout for personal reasons and he was replaced by Ilia Topuria. Herbert landed a head kick in the first round that dropped Topuria, but ultimately lost the fight via knockout in round two.

Herbert faced Kyle Nelson on 23 July 2022 at UFC Fight Night 208. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Herbert faced Ľudovít Klein on 18 March 2023 at UFC 286. After a point deduction in the third round due to multiple groin strikes, the fight ended in a majority draw.

Herbert faced Farès Ziam on 22 July 2023 at UFC Fight Night 224. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Herbert faced Rolando Bedoya on 3 August 2024 at UFC on ABC 7. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Herbert faced Chris Padilla on 22 March 22 2025, at UFC Fight Night 255. He lost the fight by split decision.

Herbert faced Mandel Nallo on 18 April 2026 at UFC Fight Night 273. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Herbert is scheduled to face Matheus Camilo on 10 October 2026 at UFC Fight Night 290.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts

Cage Warriors Cage Warriors Lightweight Championship (One time) One successful title defence Cage Warriors Academy South East Lightweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Mandel Nallo TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Loss

Chris Padilla Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady

London, England Win

Rolando Bedoya Decision (unanimous) UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Loss

Farès Ziam Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura

London, England Draw

Ľudovít Klein Draw (majority) UFC 286

London, England Win

Kyle Nelson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall

London, England Loss

Ilia Topuria KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall

London, England Win

Khama Worthy TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Renato Moicano Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Francisco Trinaldo TKO (punch) UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Cain Carrizosa KO (knee) Cage Warriors 109

Birmingham, England Win

Jack Grant TKO (punches) Cage Warriors 106

London, England Win

Steve O'Keefe TKO (punches) Cage Warriors 102

London, England Win

Joe McColgan TKO (punches) Cage Warriors 100

Cardiff, Wales Win

Erdi Karatas Decision (unanimous) Cage Warriors 94

Antwerp, Belgium Win

Rick Selvarajah TKO (punches) BAMMA 29

Birmingham, England Loss

Rhys McKee KO (punches) BAMMA 27

Dublin, Ireland Win

Tony Morgan Submission (rear-naked choke) BAMMA 25

Birmingham, England Win

Ben Bennett KO (body kick) BAMMA 23

Birmingham, England Win

Martin Sweeney TKO (punches) Full Contact Contender 13

Horwich, England Win

Omid Muhammadi TKO (punches) Full Contact Contender 12

Horwich, England