Yousri Belgaroui

Yousri Belgaroui is a Tunisian-Dutch professional kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Belgaroui is best known for his tenure in Glory, where he challenged for the middleweight title three times and reached the number two spot in the Combat Press rankings. His transition to MMA and subsequent UFC signing marks a rare crossover from elite kickboxing to the world's premier MMA promotion.[edit]

Belgaroui grew up in Amsterdam in a Tunisian household. His father introduced him to combat sports by watching fights together, sparking an early passion. He started kickboxing as a teenager and quickly stood out in the Dutch amateur scene, winning multiple national titles. The pivotal step in his development was joining Mike's Gym, a legendary Amsterdam training camp under coach Mike Passenier. There, he trained alongside Glory champions like Rico Verhoeven and Badr Hari, honing his technical striking and durability. This elite environment prepared him for the professional ranks and eventually a shot at the highest level in Glory. Belgaroui was born on June 2, 1992, in Amsterdam.[edit]

Belgaroui made his Glory debut in 2015 and rapidly ascended to title contention. In 2017, he fought Alex Pereira for the Glory Middleweight Championship, losing a close decision. He challenged for the interim title against Jason Wilnis in 2018 and faced Donovan Wisse for the full belt in 2021, falling short each time. Despite not capturing the title, his performances earned him a number two world ranking from Combat Press from November 2021 to March 2022. Seeking new challenges, he transitioned to MMA in 2022, fighting in UAE Warriors and ARES FC. In 2023, he signed with the UFC, making his promotional debut in August 2024 against Christian Leroy Duncan, losing by submission. His professional kickboxing career began in the early 2010s, primarily fighting in the Netherlands.[edit]

Belgaroui is perceived as a technically skilled and durable kickboxer who made a brave but challenging transition to MMA. Media coverage often highlights his near-misses in Glory title fights, framing him as a talented contender who could not quite break through. His fighting style is methodical and based on his kickboxing background, relying on precise striking and footwork. He does not have a distinct public persona or a known fandom culture, maintaining a low-key presence on social media. He stands 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.[edit]

Yousri Belgaroui stands as a towering figure in the combat sports world, bridging the gap between elite kickboxing and mixed martial arts with a rare pedigree. His global footprint has expanded significantly since his UFC debut, placing him firmly on the international stage. According to the latest data from iFANN Global Fame Rankings, he is currently ranked as the 70th most famous person from Netherlands, a position holding steady from the previous cycle. This specific standing reflects a consistent surge in attention driven by his high-profile victories and his unique transition story. While he lacks a formal collective identity among his supporters, the audience that follows his career is substantial and growing. Social media metrics show nearly 100,000 followers across platforms, indicating a dedicated base that tracks his every move without needing a specific moniker for their group. The narrative surrounding him often focuses on his nickname, "The Boogeyman," and his physical dominance in the middleweight division. Fans are drawn to his methodical striking style and his ability to dismantle opponents like Abdul-Malik in technical displays that have become must-watch events. There are no organized fan campaigns or ritualistic gatherings documented for Belgaroui; instead, his popularity remains rooted in the standard appreciation of professional fighting, where loyalty often shifts toward promotions rather than individual athletes. Yet, his presence at major cards generates palpable energy, proving that his reputation travels far beyond the ring. The iFANN Global Fame Rankings continue to track this momentum, capturing the scale of his influence across media coverage and consumption signals worldwide. He represents a new breed of athlete who commands respect through skill alone, building a legacy one fight at a time.[edit]

Yousri Belgaroui is the younger brother of fellow kickboxer Mohamed Belgaroui, a connection that anchors his early years in the sport. One of the few fighters to have competed in both Glory and the UFC, his journey spans two distinct combat worlds. He trains at the famous Mike's Gym in Amsterdam, sharing space with elite teammates like Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira. His reported Instagram following hovers around 50,000, with a Facebook following of approximately 10,000. Known by the nicknames "The Boogeyman" and "Baby Face Assassin," Belgaroui leverages his imposing 6'6" frame to intimidate opponents despite his relatively young age. A defining moment in his recent career occurred during his UFC debut at UFC Vancouver, where he secured a standout third-round TKO victory against Abdul-Malik. This performance was widely praised for its technical precision, leading to a rematch at UFC Seattle on March 28, 2026. In that second encounter, he defeated Abdul-Malik again, marking the opponent's first professional defeat and cementing Belgaroui's status as a rising star. His rapid ascent from a kickboxing record of 27-13 to the UFC roster has been fueled by his disciplined training and strategic evolution. While he does not have a formal fandom name or viral lore associated with crowd reactions, his story of transitioning from a kickboxing contender to an MMA force remains a compelling chapter in modern combat sports history.[edit]

Belgaroui comes from a Tunisian family based in Amsterdam. His older brother, Mohamed Belgaroui, is also a professional kickboxer who trained at the same gym. Yousri has not publicly shared details about his parents or other family members. He keeps his personal life private, and no information about his own household or children is available. He has a close relationship with his family, particularly his brother.[edit]

Belgaroui has trained extensively under coach Mike Passenier at Mike's Gym in Amsterdam. He is the younger brother of kickboxer Mohamed Belgaroui. His notable opponents include Alex Pereira, Jason Wilnis, and Donovan Wisse in Glory, and Christian Leroy Duncan in the UFC.[edit]

Yousri Belgaroui keeps his romantic life private and has not publicly confirmed any relationships. As of 2026, his relationship status is unknown, with no credible reports of past or current partners.[edit]

As of 2026, Yousri Belgaroui's net worth is estimated at around $1 Million. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, this figure reflects his earnings primarily from fight purses, win bonuses, and sponsorship deals. His income in Glory was modest compared to top stars, but his UFC signing likely increased his pay significantly. He has not disclosed major endorsement deals or business ventures outside of his fighting career. His net worth remains relatively low as he is early in his UFC career, yet the trajectory suggests growth as he climbs the rankings.[edit]