Education
He attended Nassau Community College where he was a NJCAA All-American wrestler before transferring to Lindenwood University.
He attended Nassau Community College where he was a NJCAA All-American wrestler before transferring to Lindenwood University.
Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Özkılıç moved to the United States in 2004. Özkılıç began his mixed martial arts career in 2010, competing for mostly for regional promotions in his adopted Missouri and the central United States. He compiled a record of 7-1 facing notable veterans Chico Camus and Antonio Banuelos before signing with the UFC in November 2013.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Özkılıç made his promotional debut on December 14, 2013 at UFC on Fox 9 against Darren Uyenoyama, replacing an injured John Moraga.
Özkılıç faced Louis Smolka on January 15, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 35. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Özkılıç faced John Lineker on July 16, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 45. Lineker defeated Özkılıç via third round TKO, in a bout that earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.
Özkılıç faced Ben Nguyen on May 10, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 65.
He lost the fight via TKO in the first round. Subsequently, Özkılıç was released from the organization. Mixed martial arts
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Fight of the Night (One time).