5 Defining Moments: Nate Landwehr

A parade of unconventional characters often categorized as oddballs have traversed the storied Octagon over the years. What distinguishes these characters from the general throng of fighters? They traditionally exude a magnetic eccentricity, a penchant for offbeat theatrics and an old-school mentality towards the spirit of fighting. Yet beneath their eccentric front lies an unwavering willingness to confront any challenger, anywhere, anytime. Among the revered few who epitomize this archetype are the names of mixed martial arts legends like Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida. However, in contemporary times, Nate Landwehr, an Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight, has embodied this ethos with vintage vibrancy.

Boasting a mixed 4-3 record inside the promotion, “The Train” has managed to captivate the audience with his fighting style; his post-fight interviews have a fan base of their own. On the cusp of his next challenge against Jamall Emmers at UFC on ESPN 54 this Saturday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Landwehr remains focused on continuing his evolution of staying composed in the heat of battle. In recent fights, he has taken a measured approach rather than relying solely on aggression. As he prepares to take on Emmers next, a look at five defining moments from Landwehr’s career:

1. Golden Pursuit

Landwehr started his professional MMA journey competing under the Xtreme Fighting Championships banner. He amassed a record of 3-1 in the promotion, which included three finishes by knockout or technical knockout. He got his first shot at championship gold in his fifth fight competing in the 3FC Fighting Championship against Adam Townsend. He won the five-round competitive affair via split decision and laid hands on the company’s featherweight championship.

2. A Gilded Legacy

Having compiled a commendable 8-2 record, Landwehr went on to compete in M-1 Global, an MMA organization based in St. Petersburg, Russia. He rattled off two straight victories in 2017 and got his crack at the organization’s featherweight championship against Khamzat Dalgiev. At that time, Dalgiev was riding a 10-fight undefeated streak and had the added advantage of competing in front of a home crowd. That did not rattle Landwehr, as he put on one of the most impressive performances of his career. During one sequence, Dalgiev kept headbutting and gouging the American’s eye to escape a guillotine choke submission attempt. Unfazed, Landwehr went on to secure a second-round TKO and walked away with the M-1 Global featherweight strap. He compiled a 5-0 record in the organization before eventually signing with the UFC.

3. Sense of Belonging

Landwehr had a rough start to his UFC career, succumbing to a knockout loss against Herbert Burns at UFC Fight Night 166. He went on to fight Darren Elkins four months later. What transpired was a blood-soaked spectacle, as the featherweights went to war. Despite Elkins’ reputation for durability, it was Landwehr who seized control, particularly in the second round, where he landed a devastating elbow that sliced open a significant cut on the Team Alpha Male rep’s forehead. “The Train” continued to inflict damage, leaving Elkins marked with multiple cuts on his face. Elkins refused to back down but visibly bore the brunt of the punishment inflicted by Landwehr, and the Clarksville, Tennessee, native walked away with the first victory of his UFC career via unanimous decision.

4. Bright Lights, Big Win

At UFC Fight Night 195, Landwehr secured a dramatic victory over Ludovit Klein with a third-round anaconda choke submission. Throughout the bout, the American relentlessly pressured Klein, biting down on his mouthpiece while weathering incoming strikes and launching offensive attacks of his own. Landwehr’s ability to close the distance and impose his will in close quarters proved decisive, as he wore down Klein, capitalized on a late takedown attempt and locked in the submission. The victory took his record to 2-2 in the UFC, as he walked away with “Performance of the Night” honors.

5. ‘Sucker Punch Rear-Naked Choke’

Landwehr thrilled the crowd at UFC on ESPN 43 with a decisive finish over Austin Lingo. The MMA Masters representative switched between patience and relentless aggression, as he unleashed thundering strikes after securing a takedown in the second frame. The onslaught forced Lingo to lose his mouthpiece before succumbing to a rear-naked choke, aptly dubbed by the American as the “sucker punch rear-naked choke.”