Oluwale Bamgbose

Education

Oluwale was raised by traditional middle class Nigerian parents who were very strict. While growing up, Oluwale's parents instilled and encouraged high standards in education and values in Christianity. Oluwale credits God and his parents for his assertive understanding of what it takes to succeed in life. Bamgbose began training in karate at the age of 12 before later transitioning to Taekwondo.

Oluwale currently holds an associate degree in "Liberal Arts" from SUNY Morrisville, a bachelor's degree in "Child and Family Studies" from SUNY Oneonta and a master's degree in "Public Administration" from Alfred University. It was during his time in college that Bamgbose began training in mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

After competing as an amateur for one year and compiling a record of 2-1, Bamgbose made his professional debut in June 2013. While competing exclusively for the regional promotion Ring of Combat, he amassed a record of 5-0, finishing all of his opponents in the first round before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the summer of 2015.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Bamgbose made his promotional debut as a short notice replacement against Uriah Hall on August 8, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 73. Bamgbose lost the fight by TKO in the first round.

Bamgbose next faced Daniel Sarafian on February 21, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 83, again as a short notice replacement, filling in for an injured Sam Alvey. Bamgbose won the fight via knockout in the first round.

For a third straight fight, Bamgbose was tabbed as an injury replacement and faced Cezar Ferreira on April 16, 2016 at UFC on Fox 19, filling in for an injured Caio Magalhães. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Bamgbose was briefly linked to a bout with Josh Samman on December 9, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 102. However the pairing never materialized as Samman died on October 5, 2016. He was replaced by Joe Gigliotti. In turn, Bamgbose pulled out of the fight in mid-November citing an injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Gerald Meerschaert.

Bamgbose was expected to face Tom Breese on March 18, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 107. However, the day of the event Breese was deemed unfit to compete and the bout was cancelled.

Accomplishments

x2 Ring Of Combat "ROC" Middleweight (185 lb.) Champion with one title defense.

DIRC-Divine International Recreational Center

One of Oluwale's ultimate endeavors in life includes the launch of the Divine International Recreational Center. It's the reason why Oluwale went back to school for his master's degree and why he currently competes in MMA in the first place. To fund and run a successful chain of recreational centers, that will specifically benefit impoverished communities in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Oluwale will start off his community based project by building one recreational center in Nigeria and then he eventually plans to construct several more, along with spreading the sport of MMA all over Nigeria. Oluwale has already invested some of his UFC earnings in Nigeria to kick start this initiative.

Training

Oluwale Bamgbose is the founder of the name HolyWarAngel, HolyWarAngelMMA academy and DIRC- Divine International Recreational Center. Holy WarAngel MMA Is a mixed martial arts academy that was developed in the South Bronx that primarily focuses on shredding weight, gaining strength while maintaining flexible muscle and mastering practical self-defense techniques. Classes are taught for advance or beginner students and include teachings from the following: Karate, Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Kung Fu and MMA. Mma is the fastest growing sport in the world today and because of its unique approach towards fitness, many practitioners are able to target many athletic goals simultaneously. HolyWarAngel MMA hopes to help spread a positive health culture nationally and globally, that will increase awareness about fitness, mma and overall health.