Matt Mitrione Tickets

Matt Mitrione is a recognizable name in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The American fighter has had a successful career, competing in various organizations such as UFC, Bellator MMA, and Rizin Fighting Federation. Let's take a closer look at his journey in MMA.

Born on July 15, 1978, in Bloomington, Illinois, Mitrione was initially interested in playing football. He played as a defensive tackle at Purdue University from 1997 to 2001. After graduation, he pursued a career in the National Football League (NFL), playing for the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings.

However, injuries and a lack of consistent playing time eventually led Mitrione to retire from the NFL. He then turned to MMA, making his professional debut in 2009.

Mitrione first competed in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 10 in 2009. TUF is a reality TV show produced by UFC that brings together amateur fighters who compete for a contract with the organization. Although he lost in the tournament's semifinals, he still secured a contract with UFC.

In the early part of his UFC career, Mitrione went undefeated in five straight fights. His fighting style, characterized by quick hands and impressive striking, made him a fan favorite.

However, he experienced a setback after losing back-to-back fights against Brendan Schaub and Roy Nelson in 2013. Mitrione then left UFC and signed with Bellator MMA in 2016.

In Bellator, Mitrione continued to showcase his fighting skills, earning notable wins over fighters like Oli Thompson, Fedor Emelianenko, and Ryan Bader. He also gained more recognition in Japan when he competed under the banner of Rizin Fighting Federation.

Mitrione's record in MMA stands at 13 wins, 8 losses, and 0 draws. He retired from the sport in 2021 but has left a mark in the MMA community. He is known for his impressive physical attributes, such as his huge size and natural athleticism, as well as his personality, which is often described as charismatic.

In addition to his fighting career, Mitrione's experience in football has helped him gain attention in other areas. He has appeared on the reality TV show "The Battle of the Network Stars" as a member of the NFL alumni team. He has also worked as an analyst for UFC broadcasts on ESPN.

Overall, Matt Mitrione has been a valuable contributor to MMA. He has achieved success in various promotions and has been admired by fans for his performances inside the cage. Although he has retired from competition, his legacy as a tough fighter and exciting personality will remain part of the MMA community.