Drakkar Klose Record: 16-3-1

Climbing the lightweight ladder

Klose's early UFC run showcased a fighter who could outwork high-level opposition. In July 2017 he edged the previously undefeated prospect Marc Diakiese by split decision, a result that signaled he belonged. His first setback came that December, a unanimous-decision loss to David Teymur, but Klose responded with the strongest stretch of his career. He outpointed Lando Vannata in July 2018, then scored arguably his most notable win that December, a unanimous decision over the rugged veteran Bobby Green, before adding another clear decision over Christos Giagos in August 2019.

Resilience and a late-career resurgence

March 2020 brought a sharp reminder of the division's danger, as Beneil Dariush knocked Klose out in the second round. Klose regrouped patiently and returned in 2022 to put together a productive run, stopping Brandon Jenkins by TKO in April and outpointing Rafa García that July. He produced one of his most spectacular finishes in December 2023, knocking out Joe Solecki with a first-round slam, then beat Joaquim Silva by decision in May 2024. After a first-round knockout loss to Joel Alvarez in December 2024, Klose bounced back with a high-profile unanimous-decision victory over longtime contender Edson Barboza at UFC 319 in August 2025.

Fighting style

Klose is a wrestling-anchored pressure fighter who wins most often by attrition. His record tells that story plainly: 10 of his 16 wins have come by decision, with six knockouts and zero submissions, for a 38% finish rate that reflects a methodical, point-piling approach rather than a hunt for the tap. He uses his wrestling more to dictate position and pace than to chase finishes, mixing in sharp boxing and the occasional explosive moment – the first-round slam knockout of Solecki being the clearest example of his underrated power. His vulnerabilities have shown against the division's biggest punchers, with both of his stoppage losses coming by knockout. At his best, Klose is a durable, high-output grinder who drags opponents into deep, uncomfortable water and outlasts them.

Career highlights

• Win over Edson Barboza — outpointed the longtime contender Edson Barboza at UFC 319 for one of the marquee wins of his career.
• Slam knockout of Solecki — ended Joe Solecki with a first-round slam, a highlight-reel finish from a decision-heavy fighter.
• State-champion wrestling base — a Michigan high school state wrestling champion whose grappling and pace carried him to a 16-3-1 professional record.