Sidney Outlaw

Sidney Outlaw (born April 11, 1992) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division. A professional since 2013, he has competed in promotions such as Bellator MMA and Titan FC.

Background Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Outlaw began his wrestling career in high school, then developing his passion for professional mixed martial arts by the age of sixteen. He was a league champion and state tournament qualifier. Outlaw also holds an accomplished background competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

From the age of 19 till 27, when he signed with Bellator, Outlaw was homeless on and off. He would train in the day, and then work until 2 am every day, before being back in the gym at 9 am. He made his amateur debut as a teenager in high school, discovering MMA after moving out to the Souderton, Pennsylvania due to his mother wanting to move Sidney out of the crime ridden area they grew up in.

At the age of 18, Sidney decided to move to New Jersey to train with the likes of Frankie Edgar and Eddie Alvarez.

After winning the next three bouts, winning the ROC Welterweight and Lightweight Championships, Outlaw was invited on short notice to Dana White's Contender Series 2, facing Michael Cora at welterweight and without a full camp. Despite winning the bout via unanimous decision, he wasn't given a UFC contract.

In his next bout, he faced future PFL Lightweight champion Raush Manfio for the Titan FC Lightweight Championship at Titan FC 50. However, changed it was changed to a non-title bout when Outlaw missed weight,159.9 lbs. Outlaw would go on to win the bout via unanimous decision.

Outlaw defended his ROC Welterweight title against Krzysztof Kułak at ROC 65, winning by second round armbar, and would go on to win his next two bouts on the regional scene, defeating Zazch Fears via first round armbar at Island Fights 51 and Cesar Balmaceda at CFFC 74 via first round rear-naked choke.

Bellator MMA Outlaw made his Bellator debut at Bellator 234 on November 14, 2019 against Roger Huerta. Outlaw won via unanimous decision.

Outlaw, as a replacement for Benson Henderson, faced former two-time Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler at Bellator 237 on December 29, 2019. Outlaw lost the fight via knockout in round one.

Outlaw next faced Adam Piccolotti at Bellator 244 on August 21, 2020. Outlaw won the fight via split decision. 2 out of 2 media scores gave it to Outlaw.

Outlaw faced Myles Jury at Bellator 261 on June 25, 2021. After dominating Jury on the ground, Outlaw won the bout via rear-naked choke submission in round three.

Outlaw was scheduled to challenge for the Bellator MMA Lightweight Championship against reigning champ Patricky Pitbull on July 22, 2022 at Bellator 283. On July 4, it was announced that Patricky had sustained an injury, and The next day, after he was booked against Tofiq Musayev in the co-main. Outlaw lost the bout via TKO stoppage 27 seconds into the bout.

Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix On January 11, 2023, Outlaw was announced as one of the 8 participants in the $1 million Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix. Outlaw was scheduled to face Mansour Barnaoui on May 12, 2023, at Bellator 296. However at the end of February, Outlaw tested positive for banned substances: ostarine, cardarine and anastrozole, and was suspended for 6 months, being eligible to return on August 4, 2023.

Outlaw faced Islam Mamedov on August 11, 2023 at Bellator 298. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Outlaw faced A. J. McKee on November 17, 2023 at Bellator 301. Despite being on the top for most of the bout, McKee was able to inflict enough damage on Outlaw via the use of elbows, leading to Outlaw losing the unanimous decision.

On January 24, 2024, it was announced that Outlaw was no longer with the promotion.

Global Fight League On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Outlaw was signed by Global Fight League. However, in April 2025, it was reported that all GFL events were cancelled indefinitely.

Professional grappling career Outlaw competed against Terrance McKinney in a grappling match at ADXC 2 on January 19, 2024. He won the match by submission in the first round.

Championships and achievements Ring of Combat ROC Welterweight Championship (One time) One successful title defense ROC Lightweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Rasul Magomedov Submission (rear-naked choke) ACA 206

Moscow, Russia Win

Davi Ramos Decision (unanimous) ACA 201

Minsk, Belarus Win

Pavel Gordeev Decision (unanimous) ACA 197

Moscow, Russia Win

Lom-Ali Nalgiev Submission (rear-naked choke) ACA 192

Almaty, Kazakhstan Win

Marco Antonio Elpidio Decision (unanimous) Supreme Fight Night 7

Chiapas, Mexico Win

Dan Moret Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) XFC 51

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Loss

A. J. McKee Decision (unanimous) Bellator 301

Chicago, Illinois, United States Win

Islam Mamedov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 298

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States Loss

Tofiq Musayev TKO (punches) Bellator 283

Tacoma, Washington, United States Win

Myles Jury Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 261

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Win

Adam Piccolotti Decision (split) Bellator 244

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Loss

Michael Chandler KO (punches) Bellator 237

Saitama, Japan Win

Roger Huerta Decision (unanimous) Bellator 234

Tel Aviv, Israel Win

Cesar Balmaceda Submission (rear-naked choke) CFFC 74

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Zach Fears Submission (armbar) Island Fights 51

Pensacola, Florida, United States Win

Krzysztof Kułak Submission (armbar) Ring of Combat 65

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Raush Manfio Decision (unanimous) Titan FC 50

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Win

Michael Cora Decision (unanimous) Dana White's Contender Series 2

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

James Rumley Submission (rear-naked choke) Ring of Combat 59

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Taj Abdul-Hakim Decision (unanimous) Ring of Combat 58

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Lashawn Alcocks Submission (rear-naked choke) PA Cage Fight 26

Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States Loss

Gregor Gillespie Decision (split) Ring of Combat 55

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Elijah Harshbarger Submission (guillotine choke) Ring of Combat 53

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Darrius Heyliger Submission (rear-naked choke) NEF 19

Lewiston, Maine, United States Win

Christian Leonard Decision (unanimous) Global Proving Ground 21

Pennsauken, New Jersey, United States Loss

Nick Browne TKO (punches) WSOF 13

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States Win

Mike Bannon Decision (unanimous) Bellator 118

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Steve Simms Submission (rear-naked choke) Ring of Combat 45

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Mtume Goodrum TKO (punches) Cage Fury FC 19

Richmond, Virginia, United States