Brief Introduction of Drakkar Klose
Drakkar Klose is an American professional mixed martial artist who has carved out a formidable reputation in the highly competitive Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his relentless pressure, strong wrestling base, and ever-improving striking, Klose has become a consistently exciting fighter to watch. Since his professional debut in 2014 and his subsequent entry into the UFC in 2017, he has faced a host of tough opponents, showcasing his durability and skill inside the octagon. Hailing from Michigan and now fighting out of Arizona, Klose’s journey from a standout high school wrestler to a respected UFC veteran is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. His career is highlighted by numerous hard-fought victories and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level.
Drakkar Klose Overview
| Full Name | Drakkar Don Klose |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1988 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 37 |
| Birthplace | South Haven, Michigan, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Mixed Martial Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Dating Cortney Casey |
| Family | Son, Kingston (born 2018) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Cortney Casey |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $500,000 and $1 million |
Early Life and Education of Drakkar Klose
Drakkar Klose was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and raised in the small city of South Haven, Michigan, alongside six siblings. From a young age, Klose demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, particularly in wrestling. He had a distinguished career at South Haven High School, where his hard work and talent culminated in winning a state championship in 2005. This success on the mats laid a strong foundation for his future in combat sports. After high school, Klose continued his wrestling career at the collegiate level, first attending North Idaho College. He later transferred to Lindenwood University for his junior year to continue competing. However, his time in college was cut short, and after being dismissed, he made a pivotal decision to relocate to Arizona to fully dedicate himself to a career in mixed martial arts. This move proved to be a critical turning point, allowing him to train at world-class facilities and immerse himself in the burgeoning MMA scene. Before his fighting career took off, Klose worked in security.
Drakkar Klose’s Career
Drakkar Klose’s career in mixed martial arts began with a dominant run in the amateur ranks, where he compiled an undefeated 7-0 record. This flawless start showcased his potential and readiness for the professional circuit. He made his professional debut in April 2014, securing a first-round TKO victory over Nolan McLaughlin. Competing in regional promotions such as Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) and World Fighting Federation (WFF), Klose quickly built an impressive undefeated record of 7-0-1. During this time, he also captured the Rage in the Cage (RITC) Lightweight Championship, further solidifying his status as a top prospect.
His success on the regional scene did not go unnoticed, and in late 2016, Klose signed a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He made his promotional debut on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103 against fellow newcomer Devin Powell. Klose put on a dominant performance, winning the fight via unanimous decision. He continued his winning ways in his next bout against the highly-touted Marc Diakiese, earning a hard-fought split decision victory. Klose experienced his first professional loss against David Teymur at UFC 218 but quickly rebounded with a three-fight winning streak, securing unanimous decision victories over Lando Vannata, Bobby Green, and Christos Giagos.
One of the most memorable fights of his career came against Beneil Dariush at UFC 248 in March 2020. In a wild, back-and-forth second round, Klose was ultimately knocked out, but the fight was widely praised for its excitement. Following this, Klose faced a significant period of inactivity due to fight cancellations and an unfortunate incident where he was pushed by Jeremy Stephens during a weigh-in face-off, resulting in a spinal injury that forced him out of their scheduled bout in April 2021. He made a triumphant return to the octagon in April 2022, after a nearly two-year layoff, with a second-round TKO victory over Brandon Jenkins, which earned him a “Performance of the Night” bonus. He followed this with a unanimous decision win over Rafa García at UFC 277. In December 2023, Klose delivered a spectacular knockout victory against Joe Solecki, winning via a slam that also earned him another “Performance of the Night” award. He continued his momentum with a unanimous decision win over Joaquim Silva at UFC 301 in May 2024. However, his winning streak was snapped in December 2024 when he was knocked out by a flying knee from Joel Álvarez. Klose bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over veteran Edson Barboza in August 2025.
Drakkar Klose Personal Life & Family
Drakkar Klose’s personal life is anchored by his family. He is in a long-term relationship with fellow UFC fighter Cortney “Cast Iron” Casey. The couple shares the unique experience of navigating the demanding lifestyle of professional fighters together, which includes rigorous training camps, strict diets, and the pressures of competition. They have a son named Kingston, who was born in 2018. Klose has spoken about how fatherhood has been a significant and positive influence in his life. He has expressed a desire for his son to focus on education rather than following in his footsteps into the challenging world of fighting. The family has structured their schedules to balance their demanding careers with their parental responsibilities. Klose’s father was an aspiring boxer, and he recalls seeing him shadowbox around the house during his childhood, suggesting that a passion for combat sports might run in the family.
Awards and Achievements of Drakkar Klose
- Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Brandon Jenkins and Joe Solecki.
- Rage in the Cage (RITC) – Lightweight Championship (One time, former).
- Ranked #1 in Arizona in the lightweight division before joining the UFC.
- Holder of a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Drakkar Klose Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Drakkar Klose’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. His primary sources of income are his fight purses from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which include show money, win bonuses, and performance bonuses. For instance, in 2022, his reported earnings were $226,000. Like many UFC fighters, Klose’s income is supplemented by sponsorship deals and endorsements. The earnings for a UFC fighter can fluctuate significantly based on how frequently they compete, their success in the octagon, and their popularity. Performance bonuses, such as the “Performance of the Night” awards Klose has won, provide a significant boost to his earnings for a particular fight.
Legacy and Influence
Drakkar Klose’s legacy is that of a tenacious and resilient competitor who has consistently tested himself against the best in one of the UFC’s most talent-rich divisions. His foundation in wrestling, which he successfully transitioned to mixed martial arts, serves as an inspiration for other wrestlers looking to make a similar career path. Klose is respected for his grit and his willingness to engage in exciting, fan-friendly fights. He represents his small hometown of South Haven, Michigan, with pride, hoping to show younger generations from his community that they can achieve great things. His influence also extends to his role as a family man, balancing the demanding life of a professional athlete with being a father and partner, a reality that resonates with many fans. Within the sport, he is known as a tough out for any lightweight and a fighter who always comes prepared to go to war inside the octagon.
Interesting Facts about Drakkar Klose
- Before becoming a professional fighter, Drakkar Klose worked as a security guard.
- He compiled a perfect 7-0 record as an amateur mixed martial artist before turning professional.
- Klose has a tattoo of his home state of Michigan on his chest.
- His mother’s advice, “If you start something, you better finish it,” has been a guiding principle throughout his career.
- He was a state champion wrestler in high school in 2005.
- Klose and his partner, Cortney Casey, are one of the few couples who both compete as fighters in the UFC.
- His father had boxing aspirations, which may have influenced Klose’s interest in combat sports.
Controversies
One of the most notable controversies in Drakkar Klose’s career occurred in April 2021. He was scheduled to fight veteran Jeremy Stephens at UFC on ESPN 22. During the ceremonial weigh-ins and face-offs the day before the event, Stephens forcefully shoved Klose. The push resulted in Klose suffering a cervical sprain and a concussion, forcing him to withdraw from the fight just hours before it was scheduled to take place. The incident drew significant attention and discussion within the MMA community regarding fighter conduct during pre-fight events. Despite the fight being canceled, the UFC paid Klose his show money and compliance pay. This incident led to a prolonged period of inactivity for Klose as he recovered from his injuries.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Drakkar Klose
Drakkar Klose continues to be a formidable presence in the UFC’s lightweight division. His career has been defined by resilience, from overcoming a serious injury that kept him out of competition for an extended period to bouncing back from tough losses. His strong wrestling pedigree, combined with his ever-evolving striking and relentless pace, makes him a challenging opponent for anyone in the 155-pound weight class. As he continues his career, Klose remains focused on climbing the ranks and showcasing his skills on the biggest stage in mixed martial arts. His journey from a small town in Michigan to the bright lights of the UFC is a story of perseverance and dedication. With a strong family support system and an unwavering competitive spirit, Drakkar Klose’s future in the sport continues to hold the promise of more exciting and memorable performances.
