Introduction
Matt Mitrione is a former professional American football player turned mixed martial artist, famously known as “Meathead.” He has made a name for himself in the fighting world with his incredible striking ability and aggressive fighting style. However, his path to glory was not a bed of roses. In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into Mitrione’s bio, career, and controversies, detailing a fascinating journey through his life.
Early Life and Bio
Born on July 15, 1978, in Bloomington, Illinois, Matt Mitrione is the son of a football coach. As a child, he was athletic and played various sports, including football, basketball, and track. Mitrione continued his sports career in college, playing defensive tackle at Purdue University. After graduating, he played professional football for three years with the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings.
However, Mitrione’s remarkable career as a professional fighter started when he retired from football and decided to pursue mixed martial arts (MMA) full-time.
Career
Mitrione’s MMA career has been a wild ride, full of ups and downs. He started his journey by joining the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show in 2009. Mitrione fought his way through the competition, improving his skills and impressing fans with his fighting style. He was quickly signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after the show ended. Mitrione’s UFC career was marked by exciting fights, with him winning 9 of his 13 UFC fights.
After parting ways with the UFC, Mitrione signed with Bellator, where he continued his winning streak. He is now one of the top-ranked heavyweights in Bellator MMA, with an impressive record of 4-1.
Controversies
Like many fighters, Mitrione has had his fair share of controversies throughout his career. One of his more infamous moments was an incident during the UFC 165 press conference. Mitrione made derogatory comments towards transgender fighter Fallon Fox, causing outrage and leading to his suspension from the UFC.
Mitrione also made headlines after being accused of plagiarizing an article in 2015, which he addressed and apologized for. Additionally, he has been criticized for making insensitive comments towards his opponents leading up to fights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Matt Mitrione’s fighting style?
Mitrione is known for his aggressive striking style, using his size and power to overwhelm his opponents.
2. How many UFC fights did Matt Mitrione win?
Mitrione won 9 out of his 13 UFC fights.
3. What did Matt Mitrione say about Fallon Fox?
At a UFC 165 press conference, Mitrione made derogatory comments towards transgender fighter Fallon Fox, leading to his suspension from the UFC.
4. What is Matt Mitrione’s record in Bellator MMA?
As of August 2021, Mitrione’s record in Bellator MMA is 4 wins and 1 loss.
5. Has Matt Mitrione ever been accused of plagiarism?
Yes, in 2015, Mitrione was accused of plagiarizing an article, which he later addressed and apologized for.
6. What is Matt Mitrione’s net worth?
As of 2021, Matt Mitrione’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million.
7. What is Matt Mitrione doing now?
Mitrione is currently signed with Bellator MMA and continues to compete in the heavyweight division.
Conclusion
Matt Mitrione’s life story is one of grit, determination, and passion for combat sports. He has overcome many challenges and controversies to become a successful professional fighter. With his aggressive fighting style and impressive record, Mitrione is one of the most exciting heavyweights in the MMA world today. We hope this ultimate guide has provided you with valuable insights into Mitrione’s life, career, and controversies. Whether you’re a fan or just a casual observer, we can all agree that Matt Mitrione is a true warrior and a remarkable athlete. If you’re interested in learning more about him, make sure to follow him on social media and catch his fights on TV.