The Rise of Son of Susie: Billy Elekana’s Inspiring UFC Journey
Published Date: 01 Feb, 2026 Updated date: 01 Feb, 2026
By
Lucifer
Discover the powerful story of Billy Elekana, the UFC’s rising star whose Samoan heritage, emotional nickname, and family devotion fuels a dominant career defined by resilience and high-stakes victories.
Billy Joseph Elekana is a prominent American professional mixed martial artist currently making waves in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. He fights out of Las Vegas training with the Uprising MMA Training Center and Porrada Training Center.
Does Billy Elekana Have A Wife?
Billy has been in a committed long-term relationship for over a decade. He has been married for more than 10 years. Together, he and his wife have three children: two boys and one girl.
He often states that his primary motivation for fighting is to provide a better life and future for his children.
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UFC Career & Earnings
Since his professional debut in 2021, Elekana has amassed a record of 10–2–0. His UFC career began in January 2025 with a setback against Bogdan Guskov. But he has since rallied with an impressive 3-fight win streak.
His latest triumph came at UFC 325 on January 31, 2026, in Sydney, where he defeated Junior Tafa with a dominant performance. A purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Elekana is popular for grappling prowess, frequently finishing opponents via rear-naked chokes.
The fighter’s path to the Octagon was unconventional. He only began serious training in 2017 following a life-altering hospital stay after a stabbing incident.
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His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. The earnings have seen a significant boost since joining the UFC. Typical entry-level to mid-tier UFC contracts range from $10,000 to $250,000 per fight, excluding performance bonuses and sponsorships.
Given his recent three-fight win streak and high-profile placement on cards like UFC 325, his career trajectory suggests a substantial increase in his financial standing throughout 2026.
Billy Elekana Bio & Family: Age, Parents, & Ethnicity
Born on May 28, 1995, Billy Elekana is currently 30 years old. He is widely considered to be entering his athletic prime, a factor that has contributed to his rapid ascent through the UFC ranks over the last year.
Elekana is affectionately and professionally known by the nickname “Son of Susie”. This moniker is a poignant tribute to his late mother, Susie, who passed away from cancer in 2016. He carries her name into every fight as his primary source of motivation, aiming to make her proud through his conduct and success.
He is of Samoan descent and takes immense pride in representing his heritage on the world stage. His family roots trace back to the village of Falealupo in Savai’i, Samoa. His parents played a central role in his upbringing; while his mother late Susie, remains his guiding light.
Moreover, he credits his early fighting spirit to backyard boxing matches and “rumbles” with his brothers during his youth.