Sidney Outlaw

Sidney Outlaw (born April 11, 1992) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Bellator MMA. As of December 8, 2023, he is #7 in the Bellator Lightweight Rankings.

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 teenage 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.

Early career

Making his debut at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 19, he won his debut via second round TKO stoppage, before winning his next bout via third round submission under the Ring of Combat banner. Then he got the call to fight at Bellator 118, where he won a unanimous decision over Mike Bannon. He would suffer his first loss against Nick Browne at WSOF 13, losing by TKO stoppage 25 seconds into the bout. Complications between his manager and the promotion left him unaware he was even fighting until a week out from the event, leading him to undergo a drastic, rapid weight cut.

After going 2-1 in his next three bouts, Outlaw faced future UFC fighter Gregor Gillespie at Ring of Combat 55 in June 2016. Despite taking Gillespie's back late in the first round and close to securing the rear-naked choke, only being denied by the bell ending the round, Outlaw lost the close bout via split decision.

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.

McKinney is due to compete against Terrance McKinney in a grappling match at ADXC 2 on January 19, 2024.

• Ring of Combat
  • ROC Welterweight Championship (One time)
    • One successful title defense
  • ROC Lightweight Championship (One time)