Tom Nolan

Thomas Joseph Nolan (born 8 March 2000) is an Australian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 3 August 2026, he is #11 in the Meta UFC lightweight rankings.

Early life Nolan was born on 8 March 2000, and is from Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. He grew up playing rugby league, and his brother had tryouts with National Rugby League (NRL) teams. Nolan played for the Toowoomba Clydesdales and was a tearaway backrower. Trained by Elijah Kennedy and Zac Talbot in Toowoomba, and a member of the Integrated Martial Arts Gym, Nolan was a two-time champion of the XFC Australia promotion and also competed under Eternal MMA during his amateur career. Dana White called Nolan a "straight killer" and Paul Felder said his knockout punch against Grad was "one of the most deadly shots I've seen in a long time". He lost the fight for the first time in his career by TKO in the first round.

Nolan faced Victor Martinez on May 18, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 241. He won the fight via technical knockout with through a knee to the body and punches in round one.

Nolan faced Alex Reyes on August 17, 2024, at UFC 305. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Nolan faced Viacheslav Borshchev on February 9, 2025, at UFC 312. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nolan was scheduled to face Evan Elder on September 28, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 260. However, Elder pulled out and was replaced by Charlie Campbell. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one. This fight earned him his first Performance of the Night award.

Nolan faces Farès Ziam on June 6, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 278. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Farès Ziam Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Muhammad vs. Bonfim

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Charlie Campbell Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes

Perth, Australia Win

Viacheslav Borshchev Decision (unanimous) UFC 312

Sydney, Australia Win

Alex Reyes Decision (unanimous) UFC 305

Perth, Australia Win

Victor Martinez TKO (knee to the body and punches) UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Murphy

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Nikolas Motta TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Bogdan Grad KO (punches) Dana White's Contender Series 57

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Aidan Aguilera TKO (knee and punches) Eternal MMA 74

Southport, Australia Win

Adam Cook TKO (punches) Eternal MMA 72

Gold Coast, Australia Win

Niam Stephen TKO (punches) Eternal MMA 67

Gold Coast, Australia Win

Trevor Sinclair Decision (unanimous) Eternal MMA 63

Gold Coast, Australia Win

Sam Flint Decision (unanimous) Xtreme FC 46

Brisbane, Australia