Matt Hamill
Matt Hamill (born October 5, 1976) is an American retired mixed martial artist and accomplished wrestler, renowned as the first profoundly deaf fighter to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Despite being born completely deaf in Loveland, Ohio, he overcame significant challenges to become a three-time NCAA Division III national wrestling champion at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1997, 1998, and 1999, earning Outstanding Wrestler honors in the latter two years across different weight classes (167 lb, 190 lb, and 197 lb).[1][2][3] Hamill also excelled internationally, winning two gold medals in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling at the 1997 Deaflympics in Copenhagen and a silver in Greco-Roman plus another freestyle gold at the 2001 Deaflympics in Rome.[2][4] Transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2005, Hamill made his professional debut on August 27 of that year and entered the UFC spotlight through The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 in 2005, followed by his Octagon debut on June 24, 2006.[5][6] Competing primarily in the light heavyweight division, he compiled an overall professional record of 13-8, with a UFC mark of 10-5, highlighted by knockout victories over notable opponents such as Tito Ortiz, Keith Jardine, and Mark Munoz.[7][8] His most famous bout came on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale, where he defeated undefeated prospect Jon Jones by disqualification for illegal elbows—the only official loss on Jones' record—despite being dominated on the ground and having his shoulder dislocated.[9] Hamill faced setbacks, including a controversial split-decision loss to Michael Bisping in 2007 and a stoppage defeat to Alexander Gustafsson in 2011, which prompted his initial retirement announcement at age 34.[8][10] He briefly returned in 2012 for a unanimous decision win over Roger Hollett, followed by additional bouts outside the UFC—including a loss to Thiago Silva in 2013, losses to Rameau Sokoudjou and Julian Marquez in 2016, and wins over Luiz Cane in 2017 and Chris Birchler in 2018—before his final retirement.[11][12] Post-retirement, Hamill has become a prominent motivational speaker and advocate for the deaf community, inspiring audiences with his story of resilience.[13] In January 2025, at age 48, he received advanced digital hearing aids, allowing him to hear for the first time in his life.[14] He co-authored the memoir Silent Fight with Allen Brown, released on June 17, 2025, detailing his journey from bullying and doubt to athletic triumph.[15] Hamill's legacy extends to his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Medal of Courage in 2013, recognizing his perseverance as a deaf athlete in mainstream sports.[2]Early Life
Family and Childhood
Matt Hamill was born on October 5, 1976, in Loveland, Ohio, profoundly deaf since birth, a condition discovered when he was eight months old.[16] His biological parents, Alex Hamill, a former collegiate weightlifter, and Janet, separated shortly after his birth, leaving Matt to grow up primarily under his mother's care.[16] Janet soon married Mike Rich, who became Matt's stepfather and a key influence, fostering a close bond that provided stability amid the family's early disruptions.[16] From a young age, Hamill displayed an energetic and physical personality, often engaging in roughhousing with his brothers, which his family encouraged as an outlet for his vitality.[16] At four years old, during Christmas break, stepfather Mike Rich—head wrestling coach at Loveland High School—introduced him to the sport by bringing him to practices, sparking an early fascination that honed his observational skills despite his deafness.[16] Supported by his mother, grandfather, and stepfather, Hamill learned to lip-read and speak, building foundational communication abilities within a nurturing home environment.[13] As the only deaf child in his family and Loveland community, Hamill endured persistent bullying and social isolation, which intensified his internal struggles.[17] He faced physical torment, such as being tackled during playground games or having makeshift hearing aids yanked from his ears, alongside verbal ridicule mocking his speech and silence, leading to feelings of misunderstanding and exclusion.[17] These adversities cultivated a quiet determination and resilient physicality, with Hamill harboring a "chip on his shoulder" from communication barriers, as noted by his stepfather, who observed his underlying rage and ability to channel it constructively through family-guided encouragement.[18]Education
Matt Hamill attended Loveland High School in Loveland, Ohio, where he balanced his academic studies with growing interests in athletics, particularly wrestling introduced by his stepfather, the school's head wrestling coach.[2][19] Following high school graduation, Hamill enrolled at Purdue University on a full wrestling scholarship as a freshman but faced significant challenges as a deaf student due to the institution's limited resources and support for hearing impairments, including a lack of interpreters and accommodations for communication.[2][19] After one year, he transferred to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1996, seeking a more accessible environment through its National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID).[19][2] At RIT, Hamill majored in electro-mechanical technology and graduated in 1999, integrating his coursework with athletic pursuits in a setting designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.[2] The institution's robust support systems, including American Sign Language (ASL) instruction and interpreters, played a crucial role in his academic success and personal growth; previously reliant on lip-reading and oral communication, Hamill adapted to ASL for the first time, which enhanced his independence and integration into the deaf community.[19][2] This environment not only addressed prior barriers but also allowed him to thrive academically while developing his athletic discipline.[19]Wrestling Career
High School Beginnings
Matt Hamill began his competitive wrestling career at Loveland High School in Loveland, Ohio, under the guidance of his stepfather, Michael Rich, who served as the head wrestling coach there.[2][20] Introduced to the sport earlier in life through family influences, Hamill joined the varsity team as a freshman and quickly adapted to the demands of high school competition. His initial training emphasized physical conditioning and technique drills, with Rich incorporating rigorous daily practices that included live wrestling sessions and strength exercises tailored to build endurance and power. Hamill's first varsity matches showcased his raw athleticism, as he secured early victories through aggressive takedowns and pins, establishing himself as a promising heavyweight contender despite his youth.[2][21] Throughout his high school tenure, Hamill achieved notable success, setting school records in eight categories, including career victories, which highlighted his dominance on the mats.[20] He qualified for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state tournament, placing fourth in the heavyweight division during his junior year in 1994, a feat that marked Loveland's first state placer in the program's history.[22] These accomplishments built his reputation as an exceptionally strong wrestler, undeterred by his profound deafness, with opponents and coaches noting his relentless drive and physical prowess in regional and district competitions.[2] Hamill faced significant communication challenges during team practices due to his deafness, relying primarily on visual cues, written notes, and hands-on demonstrations from coaches rather than verbal instructions.[2] Rich adapted training methods to include mirror drills and partner signaling, allowing Hamill to internalize techniques through observation and repetition, which ultimately honed his intuitive feel for the sport. This approach not only mitigated barriers but also fostered Hamill's resilience, turning potential obstacles into strengths that enhanced his focus during matches.[21] Hamill graduated from Loveland High School in 1995, having solidified his commitment to wrestling as a pathway for higher education and athletic advancement.[23] Eager to continue competing at a collegiate level, he accepted a wrestling scholarship to Purdue University, setting the stage for further development in the sport.[2]College and NCAA Success
After spending one year at Purdue University on a wrestling scholarship, Matt Hamill transferred to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to pursue a degree through the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), which provided specialized support for his profound deafness.[2] At RIT, competing in NCAA Division III as a heavyweight initially but moving up in weight classes, Hamill made an immediate impact on the Tigers' wrestling program, compiling a remarkable 89-3 record over three seasons and becoming a cornerstone of the team.[21] His training incorporated adaptations for his deafness, relying on visual cues from coaches, such as hand signals and demonstrations, along with heightened focus on physical vibrations and opponent movements to compensate for the inability to hear instructions or crowd noise during matches.[24] Hamill dominated the NCAA Division III Championships, securing three consecutive individual national titles in different weight classes: 167 pounds in 1997, 190 pounds in 1998, and 197 pounds in 1999.[25] In the 1997 final, he defeated his opponent by pin in the third period, marking his first national victory; he followed with a 12-5 decision win in the 1998 final and a 7-3 decision in 1999, remaining undefeated in his senior year.[2] These triumphs earned him three-time All-American honors and Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament accolades in both 1998 and 1999, while his pinning prowess set RIT records with 19 pins in a single season and 47 for his career, showcasing his technical superiority and aggressive style.[25] As the first deaf wrestler to win an NCAA national title, Hamill's achievements broke barriers in collegiate sports, inspiring greater inclusion for athletes with disabilities and highlighting the potential of adaptive training in competitive environments.[26] His success elevated RIT's wrestling program, contributing to its status as a Division III powerhouse during his tenure and earning him induction into the RIT Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.[27]Deaflympics Participation
Matt Hamill first represented the United States at the 1997 Summer Deaflympics in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he competed in the 85-97 kg weight class and secured gold medals in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.[28] He was also named a finalist for Sportsman of the Year at these games.[28] Hamill returned to the Deaflympics in 2001 in Rome, Italy, again in the 85-97 kg category, earning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling and a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling.[28][2] These achievements marked his total haul of three gold medals and one silver across the two events.[28] As a profoundly deaf athlete, Hamill faced significant communication barriers in wrestling, relying heavily on visual demonstrations to learn techniques rather than verbal instructions.[29] In international settings like the Deaflympics, these challenges were compounded by interactions with competitors from diverse countries, where differing sign languages and cultural communication styles required adaptation through interpreters and non-verbal cues.[29] Travel logistics for such global competitions added further hurdles, including navigating unfamiliar environments without auditory cues for announcements or directions. Hamill's Deaflympics successes, coming shortly after his NCAA triumphs, served as a critical bridge in his amateur wrestling career, providing high-level international exposure that honed his skills and resilience before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2004.[2][26] These victories significantly bolstered his self-assurance, demonstrating his competitive edge on a worldwide stage and inspiring his pursuit of professional combat sports.[29]Mixed Martial Arts Career
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2005, Matt Hamill was selected to compete on Season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television series that served as his introduction to professional mixed martial arts, despite having no prior experience in the sport and relying primarily on his wrestling pedigree. His actual professional debut occurred earlier that year on August 27, 2005, when he defeated Robert Hitte by first-round TKO via punches at XFO 7 - Outdoor War.[30] The season, which aired in 2006, featured light heavyweights and middleweights training under coaches Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock, with Hamill joining Team Ortiz.[31] Hamill advanced in the tournament by winning his preliminary bout against Mike Nickels via unanimous decision (20-18 on all scorecards) after two rounds, where he effectively utilized wrestling takedowns and top control to dominate the fight, preventing Nickels from mounting significant offense.[32] However, shortly after the victory, Hamill suffered a knee injury that forced his withdrawal from the semifinals, where he was slated to face Ross Pointon; he was replaced by Jesse Forbes in the bracket.[33] The injury underscored the transition challenges from wrestling to MMA, particularly the need to adapt to striking exchanges, as Hamill later reflected on the importance of developing stand-up skills to complement his grappling during training on the show.[34] Although Hamill did not reach the finals, his performance and resilience on the series garnered substantial visibility within the MMA community, directly resulting in a multi-fight contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship upon the season's conclusion. This exposure marked the beginning of his professional MMA career in the Octagon.[30]Ultimate Fighting Championship
Hamill made his official UFC debut prior to the conclusion of The Ultimate Fighter 3, defeating Jesse Forbes by first-round TKO via punches at The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale on June 24, 2006. He followed this with a unanimous decision victory over Seth Petruzelli at UFC Fight Night: Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3 on October 10, 2006. His next bout came at UFC 68 on March 3, 2007, where he secured a first-round TKO win over Rex Holman via strikes, marking an early highlight in his light heavyweight run. Hamill then suffered a controversial split-decision loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 75 on September 8, 2007.[30] Hamill's UFC career gained momentum with a second-round TKO against Tim Boetsch at UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2, 2008. However, a third-round TKO loss to Rich Franklin at UFC 88 on September 6, 2008, via body kick temporarily stalled his progress. He rebounded with a second-round TKO victory over Reese Andy at UFC 92 on December 27, 2008. In 2009, Hamill secured a first-round knockout of Mark Muñoz via head kick at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009, showcasing his striking power and earning Knockout of the Night. Later that year, on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, he faced rising prospect Jon Jones in a bout that ended controversially; Jones was disqualified in the first round for using illegal downward elbows (12-6 elbows), awarding Hamill the victory despite being dominated prior to the stoppage. This DQ loss remains Jones's only official defeat in the UFC and is often viewed by fans and analysts as a moral victory for Hamill due to the circumstances.[35] Hamill then outpointed Keith Jardine via majority decision at The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale on June 19, 2010. On October 23, 2010, at UFC 121, Hamill defeated his former TUF coach Tito Ortiz by unanimous decision, solidifying his reputation against high-profile opponents. Hamill's final significant UFC stretch included a unanimous decision loss to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 130 on May 28, 2011, where he absorbed heavy punishment but showed resilience over three rounds. He then suffered a second-round TKO defeat to Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 133 on August 6, 2011, via punches and elbows, prompting a brief retirement announcement. Returning for UFC 152 on September 22, 2012, he won a unanimous decision over Roger Hollett. His UFC tenure concluded with a unanimous decision loss to Thiago Silva at UFC Fight Night 29 on October 9, 2013. Over 15 UFC bouts from 2006 to 2013, Hamill compiled a record of 10-5, with five knockouts/tkos, one submission, and four decisions in victory.[36] Known for his wrestling base and durability despite being deaf, he was released from the UFC roster later in 2013 following the Silva defeat.[37]Later MMA Bouts and Retirement
After departing from the UFC in late 2013, Matt Hamill signed a multi-fight contract with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) in May 2014, aiming to continue his career in the light heavyweight division.[38] However, persistent knee and other injuries forced multiple delays to his debut, including withdrawals from scheduled bouts at WSOF 11 and WSOF 19, leading to a brief second retirement announcement in July 2014 before he ultimately decided to return.[39][40] Hamill finally made his WSOF debut on October 17, 2015, at WSOF 24 in Mashantucket, Connecticut, facing grappling specialist Vinny Magalhães in the co-main event. Despite his strong wrestling background, Hamill was submitted via kneebar just 1:08 into the first round, marking a quick and decisive loss in his attempted comeback.[41] This bout highlighted the challenges of his return after nearly two years away, as Magalhães capitalized on Hamill's vulnerability to submissions on the ground.[42] From 2016 to 2018, Hamill took on bouts in various independent and regional promotions, compiling a post-UFC record of 2-3 as his career wound down amid ongoing physical wear. Early in this phase, he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou via punches at Venator FC 3 in May 2016 in Milan, Italy, underscoring striking deficiencies against aggressive opponents. Later that October, at Combate Americas: Empire Rising in Fresno, California, Hamill was stopped by TKO (punches) in the opening round by Julian Marquez, further illustrating the toll of age and inactivity on his durability. Hamill rebounded with a highlight-reel knockout victory over fellow UFC veteran Luiz Cane at Fight 2 Night 2 in April 2017 in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, landing devastating punches just 38 seconds into the first round to end a three-fight skid.[43] His professional swan song came on April 14, 2018, at Maverick MMA 6 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he outwrestled and outpointed Chris Birchler over three rounds to earn a hard-fought split decision win, improving his late-career momentum.[44] At 41 years old, Hamill did not pursue further competition after this bout, effectively retiring from MMA with a career hampered by chronic injuries that had plagued him since his early days in the sport.[11]Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Matt Hamill was previously married and has a daughter from that relationship, who significantly influenced his decision to extend his MMA career despite considering retirement after a loss at UFC 130 in 2011.[8] Hamill remarried in 2008 and welcomed additional children, resulting in a family of three kids whom he raised alongside the demands of his athletic pursuits.[45] The rigors of frequent travel for training and competitions presented parenting challenges, requiring him to balance absences with quality time at home, while his family offered unwavering encouragement during career peaks and the physical toll of post-fight recoveries.[8] As of 2025, Hamill and his family maintain a stable home life in New York, where he owns property near Cranberry Lake in the Adirondacks, fostering a serene environment focused on family bonding after his 2018 retirement.[46] Recent developments in hearing technology have further strengthened these dynamics by enabling him to hear his loved ones' voices for the first time.[47]Health Developments
Matt Hamill was born profoundly deaf, a condition that has defined much of his personal and professional life. From an early age, he explored options for auditory assistance, including discussions about cochlear implants during his youth, though he ultimately declined the procedure due to concerns over surgery.[48] Throughout his career, Hamill relied on visual and vibrational cues to navigate environments where sound played a role, adapting to a world primarily through non-auditory means.[49] In daily life, Hamill has employed American Sign Language as his primary mode of communication, supplemented by lip-reading skills honed over decades to interact effectively with hearing individuals. These adaptations allowed him to manage conversations, instructions, and social interactions without auditory input, fostering resilience amid ongoing challenges.[29][50] On January 4, 2025, at the age of 48, Hamill received advanced digital hearing aids, marking the first time he could perceive sound after 48 years of profound deafness. The devices, described as the most powerful available, enabled him to hear everyday noises such as footsteps and, most profoundly, the voices of his family members, evoking overwhelming emotion as he described the experience as "like a dream."[51][52][53] After receiving the hearing aids, Hamill has undergone ongoing adjustments, including professional fittings and consultations with audiologists to optimize performance and address sensory overload from newfound sounds. These medical follow-ups, conducted in early 2025, have supported his gradual acclimation to auditory input while monitoring for any health-related adaptations.[54][55]Post-Retirement Activities
Advocacy and Speaking
Following his retirement from mixed martial arts in 2018, Matt Hamill transitioned into a prominent role as a motivational speaker, engaging audiences at schools, Deaf Expos, and corporate events across the United States.[15] His presentations draw on his experiences as a deaf athlete to motivate listeners, particularly young people facing similar challenges.[13] Hamill's key themes center on overcoming bullying, building resilience among disabled youth, and sharing personal stories of navigating life from profound deafness to partial hearing restoration. He recounts early encounters with physical and verbal abuse due to his disability, such as having his hearing aids removed by peers, and how channeling that adversity into athletic success transformed his life and silenced detractors.[17] These narratives emphasize that disabilities do not define potential, but rather one's response to obstacles does, encouraging audiences to embrace their unique strengths.[17] In his talks, he briefly references his recent ability to hear his family's voices for the first time through advanced digital hearing aids as a symbol of ongoing personal triumph.[49] As of 2025, Hamill actively participates in Deaf Awareness Day events and nationwide tours, including hosting The Hammer Deaf Expo to promote community empowerment.[56][57] He collaborates with organizations like DEAF Inc. and DeafNation to amplify advocacy efforts for the deaf and disabled.[58][59] Through these seminars and initiatives, Hamill has inspired thousands, fostering greater awareness and support for individuals with disabilities.[8]Media Appearances
In 2010, a biographical film titled The Hammer was released, chronicling Matt Hamill's early life as a deaf athlete and his rise to becoming the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III championship.[60] Directed by Oren Kaplan and starring Russell Harvard in the lead role, the film portrays Hamill's struggles with bullying, family dynamics, and determination in wrestling, drawing from his real experiences growing up in Loveland, Ohio.[61] Production involved collaboration with Hamill himself for authenticity, and it premiered at film festivals before a wider release, emphasizing themes of perseverance for deaf individuals in sports.[62] The movie received positive reception for its inspirational narrative, earning a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics who praised its heartfelt depiction of overcoming disability barriers.[61] In 2025, Hamill co-authored the memoir Silent Fight with Allen Brown and AJ Hiller, providing a comprehensive account of his life's journey from childhood deafness and wrestling triumphs to his mixed martial arts career and recent hearing restoration through advanced aids.[63] Released on June 17, 2025, by an independent press, the 232-page paperback details personal challenges, including family influences and professional setbacks, while highlighting his 2025 milestone of hearing his daughter's voice for the first time at age 48.[64] The book aims to inspire readers by revealing untold stories behind Hamill's public persona, with pre-orders promoted directly through his official website to support deaf community initiatives.[15] Following his hearing regain in early 2025, Hamill participated in several interviews and media features that captured the emotional impact of this development, including a detailed discussion with MMA Junkie where he described the profound experience of auditory perception after 48 years of deafness.[51] These appearances, shared via platforms like Instagram and YouTube, included video segments where Hamill reacted to sounds such as his children's voices, amplifying public interest in adaptive technologies for the deaf.[65] While no major standalone documentaries emerged in 2025, shorter features and podcast spots, such as on MMA-related shows, incorporated his story to explore resilience in combat sports.[66] Through these media projects, Hamill has significantly contributed to raising awareness for deaf athletes, showcasing how visual and narrative storytelling can challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in professional sports.[59] The film and memoir, in particular, have served as educational tools, reaching audiences beyond MMA fans to highlight the capabilities of individuals with hearing impairments.[67]Achievements and Records
Championships and Accomplishments
In his collegiate wrestling career at Rochester Institute of Technology, Matt Hamill secured three NCAA Division III national championships, competing in the 167-pound class in 1997, the 190-pound class in 1998, and the 197-pound class in 1999.[2][68] He was recognized as a three-time All-American and earned the Outstanding Wrestler of the Year award for Division III in both 1998 and 1999.[2] In 2013, Hamill was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, receiving the Medal of Courage for his perseverance as a deaf athlete.[2][68] Hamill also achieved success at the Deaflympics. At the 1997 Deaflympics in Copenhagen, he won gold medals in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling in the 85-97 kg category.[69][4] At the 2001 Deaflympics in Rome, Italy, Hamill won a gold medal in the freestyle wrestling event in the 85-97 kg category and a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling in the same weight class.[70][2] These achievements highlighted his international success as a deaf competitor on a global stage.[2] Although Hamill did not capture any formal MMA world titles during his professional career, he established himself as a prominent UFC light heavyweight, compiling an overall professional record of 13-8 with notable victories including a unanimous decision over Tito Ortiz, a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, at UFC 121 in 2010.[5][30] Another key accomplishment was his disqualification win over Jon Jones at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale in 2009, marking the only blemish on Jones's otherwise undefeated record at that time.[5][30] Over 15 UFC bouts from 2006 to 2013, Hamill went 10-5, demonstrating resilience and skill before retiring as a veteran of the promotion.[5] Hamill's trailblazing role as the first deaf fighter in UFC history earned him widespread recognition for overcoming barriers in mixed martial arts, including being named the 1998 National Deaf Athlete of the Year by the United States Deaf Athletics organization.[2][54]Mixed Martial Arts Record
Matt Hamill compiled a professional mixed martial arts record of 13 wins and 8 losses across 21 bouts, spanning from August 2005 to April 2018.[30] In the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he recorded 10 wins and 5 losses in 15 appearances. His performances outside the UFC included 3 wins and 3 losses in other promotions, with a 0-1 mark in the World Series of Fighting.[30] The following table details his complete professional fight record:| Date | Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Round | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 14, 2018 | Chris Birchler | Maverick MMA 6 - Birchler vs. Hamill | Win | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| April 28, 2017 | Luiz Cane | F2N - Fight 2 Night 2 | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 0:38 | |
| October 14, 2016 | Julian Marquez | Combate Americas - Empire Rising | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:22 | |
| May 21, 2016 | Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou | Venator FC 3 - Palhares vs. Meek | Loss | KO (Punches) | 1 | 0:37 | |
| October 17, 2015 | Vinny Magalhaes | WSOF 24 - Fitch vs. Okami | Loss | Submission (Kneebar) | 1 | 1:08 | |
| October 9, 2013 | Thiago Silva | UFC Fight Night 29 - Maia vs. Shields | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| September 22, 2012 | Roger Hollett | UFC 152 - Jones vs. Belfort | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| August 6, 2011 | Alexander Gustafsson | UFC 133 - Evans vs. Ortiz 2 | Loss | TKO (Punches and Elbows) | 2 | 3:41 | |
| May 28, 2011 | Quinton Jackson | UFC 130 - Rampage vs. Hamill | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| October 23, 2010 | Tito Ortiz | UFC 121 - Lesnar vs. Velasquez | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| June 19, 2010 | Keith Jardine | UFC - The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale | Win | Decision (Majority) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| December 5, 2009 | Jon Jones | UFC - The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale | Win | Disqualification | 1 | 4:14 | Illegal elbows |
| March 7, 2009 | Mark Munoz | UFC 96 - Jackson vs. Jardine | Win | KO (Head Kick) | 1 | 3:53 | |
| December 27, 2008 | Reese Andy | UFC 92 - The Ultimate 2008 | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 2:19 | |
| September 6, 2008 | Rich Franklin | UFC 88 - Breakthrough | Loss | TKO (Kick to the Body) | 3 | 0:39 | |
| April 2, 2008 | Tim Boetsch | UFC Fight Night 13 - Florian vs. Lauzon | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 1:25 | |
| September 8, 2007 | Michael Bisping | UFC 75 - Champion vs. Champion | Loss | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| March 3, 2007 | Rex Holman | UFC 68 - Uprising | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:00 | |
| October 10, 2006 | Seth Petruzelli | UFC: The Final Chapter - Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| June 24, 2006 | Jesse Forbes | UFC - The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:47 | |
| August 27, 2005 | Robert Hitte | XFO 7 - Outdoor War | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:52 |