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Chris Lytle

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For the Irish politician, see Chris Lyttle. For the Scottish-born football coach, see Chris Little.
Chris Lytle
Born (1974-08-18) August 18, 1974 (age 50)
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Other namesLights Out
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
DivisionHeavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Middleweight
Welterweight
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StyleWrestling, Boxing, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Fighting, Muay Thai
StanceOrthodox
TeamIntegrated Fighting Academy
TrainerPat McPherson (MMA)
Keith Palmer (Boxing)
Years active1999–2011 (MMA)
2002–2005 (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total15
Wins13
By knockout7
Losses1
Draws1
Mixed martial arts record
Total54
Wins31
By knockout6
By submission19
By decision6
Losses18
By knockout2
By decision16
Draws5
Other information
OccupationFirefighter[1]
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: September 15, 2009

Chris Scott Lytle (born August 18, 1974) is an American retired mixed martial artist and boxer. A professional from 1999 until 2011 and twenty-fight veteran of the UFC, Lytle also fought in Pancrase, Cage Rage, and the WEC. He held the inaugural Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship and was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter 4. During his tenure in the UFC, he was awarded "Fight of the Night" honors six times.

Background

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Lytle was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Southport High School in 1993. At Southport, he was an active member of the Wrestling team, finishing 4th at the Indiana State Wrestling Finals in his junior year and 2nd place his senior year. In fact, to this day, he still participates in workouts at the Southport High School with the wrestling team, Coach Petty and Coach Dildine. He has also helped coach at New Palestine High School.[2] Lytle attended Indiana University, where he achieved a degree in sports management, and studied the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Lytle started training for fighting in 1998, saying that it was "something to keep me active". He trains part-time outside of his regular job as a firefighter, attending single-discipline gyms rather than MMA camps. He has held championships in the Hook N' Shoot and Absolute Fighting Championship promotions and won the Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship. He became the 175 lb Indiana state boxing champion, saying, "By the end of the year (2004), I think I'll have a few more smaller boxing titles."

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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In 2006 Lytle was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 4 on Spike, where he defeated Pete Spratt and Din Thomas in exhibition bouts to proceed to the welterweight finale. On November 11, Matt Serra defeated Lytle by split decision in The Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale. Lytle was the more active fighter standing up, with Serra tying up and using foot stomps until he got takedowns, at which time he became the more active fighter, with Lytle holding guard and seemingly waiting for the referee to stand the fight up. Two judges scored the bout 30–27 for Serra and one judge scored the fight 30–27 for Lytle, but despite the scores the match was very close.

He lost to former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes on March 3 at UFC 68 in Columbus, Ohio via unanimous decision.

Lytle fought Jason Gilliam at UFC 73 on July 7, 2007. Lytle controlled the pace of the fight in the first round and eventually brought Gilliam to the ground. Lytle worked from top position, and eventually sunk in an inverted triangle choke from top position. To seal the fight he locked in an inverted armbar on Gilliam's free arm, forcing him to tap.

At a United Fight League show taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2007, Lytle defeated Matt Brown by a guillotine choke in the second round.

Chris later lost to Thiago Alves at UFC 78 via a controversial doctor stoppage due to a cut at the end of the second round. Many fans booed as the cut was under the eye and fairly small. Typically doctors stop fights when blood his seeping into a fighters eye and impede vision.

Lytle went on to defeat Kyle Bradley at UFC 81 by KO at 33 seconds of the first round. In an interview after the fight, Lytle stated that he had a new outlook on fighting; he would no longer pursue an "overly-technical" approach to each fight, but would go into his next fight and "not be afraid to lose."

On July 5, 2008, at UFC 86 Lytle lost to Josh Koscheck in a UFC Welterweight title eliminator fight. Koscheck used an effective ground and pound style to open up massive cuts on Lytle's face and ultimately won by decision.

Lytle's next fight was against British fighter Paul Taylor at UFC 89 on October 18, 2008, in Birmingham, England. Lytle won a unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, and 29–28). The decision resulted in loud boos and Taylor was surprised at Lytle being awarded the judges' decision.

Lytle's next fight was on January 17, 2009, against Marcus Davis at UFC 93. Both fighters are former boxers and had discussed a potential fight in their futures since early 2008. Lytle called out Davis after his win at UFC 89. He suggested that the fight take place in Ireland, where Davis had garnered a substantial following due to his emphasis on his Irish roots. Leading up to the event, both fighters promised to stand and trade blows for the entire fight, rather than engage in grappling. Lytle managed to stun Davis several times, but Davis used superior footwork, counterpunching, and kicks to win a split decision The bout shared Fight of the Night honors with the Coleman/Rua co-main event, earning Lytle a $40,000 bonus.

Lytle again won Fight of the Night at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale, defeating Kevin Burns, Lytle received a $25,000 bonus along with Diego Sanchez, Clay Guida, Joe Stevenson and Nate Diaz whose respective fights also won Fight of the Night. He was scheduled to fight Carlos Condit on September 16, 2009, at UFC Fight Night 19, but had to pull out due to a knee injury.

Lytle was expected to face Dong Hyun Kim on February 21, 2010, at UFC 110. This fight was later cancelled after Kim suffered a knee injury. Lytle instead faced Brian Foster at UFC 110 and was victorious via first round kneebar submission.

Lytle defeated Matt Brown on July 3, 2010, at UFC 116 via straight armbar/triangle choke in a rematch from 2007. The submission was very technical and was a strong contender for yet another Submission of the Night bonus, but said award was won by Brock Lesnar for the surprising arm triangle choke used on Shane Carwin, a choice that created minor controversy among fans. Although not another official fight bonus, Lytle was later awarded an undisclosed bonus for managing another exciting finish.

Lytle faced former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Serra on September 25, 2010, at UFC 119 in a rematch of their 2006 bout at The Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale which he won via unanimous decision, out striking Serra throughout all three rounds.

Lytle was expected to face Carlos Condit on February 27, 2011, at UFC 127. However, Condit was forced from the bout after suffering a knee injury while training and replaced by UFC newcomer Brian Ebersole. Ebersole defeated Lytle via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28), again winning Fight of the Night.

Lytle faced former UFC welterweight title contender Dan Hardy on August 14, 2011, at UFC on Versus 5. Chris Lytle stated at the weigh-ins he would retire after the bout regardless of the outcome. Regarding his retirement, Chris has been quoted as saying "“I feel like I’m not being the type of dad I want to. I got four kids and lots of time I feel just an immense sense of guilt for not being there in times when I should.” Lytle defeated Hardy via guillotine choke submission in the third round after being successful early on by utilizing his superior boxing, thus closing out his MMA career with a victory and 10–10 record in the UFC. Lytle walked away with Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night honors, and earned a 2012 Softail Blackline motorcycle from Harley-Davidson for the performance.

Personal life

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Lytle currently resides in New Palestine, Indiana and is married to Kristin and has four children. He works full-time as a firefighter at the Indianapolis Fire Department in addition to his fighting career.[3] He also ran for the Indiana State Senate in District 28 in 2012 but lost.[4]

On July 11, 2014, it was announced that Lytle was the latest to join the panel of MMA analysts for Fox Sports 1.[5]

Currently Lytle hosts the Lights Out Chris Lytle Show for City 360 TV in Indianapolis, Indiana.

On July 10, 2020 Lytle, along with Mike Davis and Miguel Iturrate, launched the Lytes Out Podcast.

Championships and achievements

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Mixed martial arts

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Boxing

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  • Indiana Boxing Association
    • Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title (One time)[8]
    • Two successful title defenses

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
54 matches 31 wins 18 losses
By knockout 6 2
By submission 19 0
By decision 6 16
Draws 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 31–18–5 Dan Hardy Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle August 14, 2011 3 4:16 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Submission of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Loss 30–18–5 Brian Ebersole Decision (unanimous) UFC 127 February 27, 2011 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia Fight of the Night.
Win 30–17–5 Matt Serra Decision (unanimous) UFC 119 September 25, 2010 3 5:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 29–17–5 Matt Brown Submission (straight armbar) UFC 116 July 3, 2010 2 2:02 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 28–17–5 Brian Foster Submission (kneebar) UFC 110 February 21, 2010 1 1:41 Sydney, Australia Submission of the Night.
Win 27–17–5 Kevin Burns Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale June 20, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 26–17–5 Marcus Davis Decision (split) UFC 93 January 17, 2009 3 5:00 Dublin, Ireland Fight of the Night.
Win 26–16–5 Paul Taylor Decision (unanimous) UFC 89 October 18, 2008 3 5:00 Birmingham, England Fight of the Night.
Loss 25–16–5 Josh Koscheck Decision (unanimous) UFC 86 July 5, 2008 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 25–15–5 Kyle Bradley TKO (punches) UFC 81 February 2, 2008 1 0:33 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 24–15–5 Thiago Alves TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 78 November 17, 2007 2 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 24–14–5 Matt Brown Submission (guillotine choke) UFL: Fight Night at Conseco Fieldhouse August 11, 2007 2 2:49 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 23–14–5 Jason Gilliam Submission (inverted triangle choke and americana) UFC 73 July 7, 2007 1 2:15 Sacramento, California, United States Submission of the Night.
Loss 22–14–5 Matt Hughes Decision (unanimous) UFC 68 March 3, 2007 3 5:00 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss 22–13–5 Matt Serra Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback Finale November 11, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 Welterweight Tournament Final.
Win 22–12–5 Ross Mason Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Rage 15 February 4, 2006 2 4:57 London, England Won the Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship.
Win 21–12–5 Savant Young TKO (submission to strikes) WEC 18: Unfinished Business January 13, 2006 1 3:50 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 20–12–5 Joe Riggs TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 55: Fury October 7, 2005 2 2:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 20–11–5 Brian Dunn TKO (punches) Legends of Fighting August 13, 2005 1 2:03 Franklin, Indiana, United States
Win 19–11–5 Pat Healy Decision (split) WEC 15: Judgment Day May 19, 2005 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 18–11–5 Karo Parisyan Decision (unanimous) UFC 51: Super Saturday February 5, 2005 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–10–5 J.T. Taylor Submission (forearm choke) WEC 12 October 21, 2004 1 2:53 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 17–10–5 Ronald Jhun Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 49 August 21, 2004 2 1:17 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 16–10–5 Tiki Ghosn Submission (bulldog choke) UFC 47 April 2, 2004 2 1:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 15–10–5 Pete Spratt Submission (rear-naked choke) RSF: Shooto Challenge 2 January 2, 2004 1 0:46 Belleville, Illinois, United States Middleweight bout.
Loss 14–10–5 Robbie Lawler Decision (unanimous) UFC 45 November 21, 2003 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 14–9–5 Derrick Noble Submission (rear-naked choke) RSF: Shooto Challenge October 3, 2003 2 2:04 Belleville, Illinois, United States
Win 13–9–5 Chatt Lavender Technical submission (triangle choke) Absolute Fighting Championships 5 September 5, 2003 1 0:55 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 12–9–5 LaVerne Clark Decision (unanimous) Battleground 1: War Cry July 19, 2003 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss 11–9–5 Koji Oishi Decision (split) Pancrase: Hybrid 4 April 12, 2003 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 11–8–5 Aaron Riley KO (punch) HOOKnSHOOT: Boot Camp 1.1 March 8, 2003 1 3:31 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Loss 10–8–5 Izuru Takeuchi Decision (majority) Pancrase: Spirit 9 December 21, 2002 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan Middleweight bout.
Win 10–7–5 Yuji Hoshino Submission (triangle choke) Pancrase: Spirit 7 October 29, 2002 1 2:09 Tokyo, Japan Middleweight bout.
Loss 9–7–5 Nick Diaz Decision (split) IFC Warriors Challenge 17 July 12, 2002 3 5:00 Porterville, California, United States
Win 9–6–5 Kazuo Misaki Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Proof 7 December 1, 2001 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan Middleweight bout.
Win 8–6–5 Jake Ambrose Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Rage 2 April 14, 2001 1 1:49 Kokomo, Indiana, United States
Draw 7–6–5 Dave Strasser Draw Reality Submission Fighting 3 March 30, 2001 1 18:00 Illinois, United States
Draw 7–6–4 Nick Hide Draw Circle City Challenge February 3, 2001 3 5:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 7–6–3 Beaver Beaver Submission (rear-naked choke) Bad Boy Competition November 24, 2000 1 2:18 United States
Win 6–6–3 Mike Haltom TKO (submission to punches) Bad Boy Competition November 24, 2000 1 3:41 United States
Loss 5–6–3 Ben Earwood Decision (unanimous) UFC 28 November 17, 2000 2 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Welterweight debut.
Loss 5–5–3 Shonie Carter Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: 2000 Anniversary Show September 24, 2000 3 3:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 5–4–3 Taro Obata Submission (arm-triangle choke) Pancrase: Trans 5 July 23, 2000 1 2:56 Tokyo, Japan Middleweight debut.
Loss 4–4–3 Daisuke Ishii Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Trans 4 June 26, 2000 1 10:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 4–3–3 CJ Fernandes Submission (triangle choke) HOOKnSHOOT: Double Fury 1 March 17, 2000 1 3:54 United States
Loss 3–3–3 Keiichiro Yamamiya Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Trans 1 January 23, 2000 1 10:00 Tokyo, Japan Light Heavyweight debut.
Draw 3–2–3 Ikuhisa Minowa Draw Pancrase: Breakthrough 11 December 18, 1999 1 15:00 Yokohama, Japan
Loss 3–2–2 Dave Menne Decision (unanimous) Extreme Challenge 29 November 13, 1999 2 5:00 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 3–1–2 Luke Pedigo Submission (guillotine choke) HOOKnSHOOT: Millennium November 6, 1999 1 1:57 United States
Draw 2–1–2 Takafumi Ito Draw Pancrase: 1999 Neo-Blood Tournament Opening Round August 1, 1999 2 3:00 Tokyo, Japan Pancrase 1999 Neo-Blood Tournament Opening Round.
Loss 2–1–1 Jason DeLucia Decision (majority) Pancrase: Breakthrough 7 July 6, 1999 1 10:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 2–0–1 Daisuke Watanabe Submission (armbar) Pancrase: Breakthrough 6 June 11, 1999 1 5:30 Tokyo, Japan
Draw 1–0–1 Osami Shibuya Draw Pancrase: Breakthrough 4 April 18, 1999 1 15:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 1–0 Bo Hershberger TKO (submission to punches) Neutral Grounds 10 February 13, 1999 1 11:33 Muncie, Indiana, United States

Professional boxing record

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13 Wins (7 knockouts, 6 decisions), 1 Loss (1 decision), 1 Draw[9]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Win 13–1–1 United States Omar Pittman TKO 7 (8), 0:42 June 18, 2005 Rising Sun, IN
Win 12–1–1 United States Verdell Smith UD 8 November 27, 2004 Rising Sun, IN
Win 11–1–1 United States Thomas Kirk UD 6 October 19, 2004 Indianapolis, IN
Win 10–1–1 United States Jonathan Corn UD 8 May 1, 2004 Indianapolis, IN
Win 9–1–1 United States Reggie Strickland UD 6 February 3, 2004 Indianapolis, IN
Loss 8–1–1 United States Shay Mobley UD 8 October 17, 2003 Merrillville, IN
Win 8–0–1 United States Darin Johnson KO 3 (8), 1:37 October 7, 2003 Indianapolis, IN
Win 7–0–1 United States Mike Paul TKO 1 (4), 1:08 August 5, 2003 Indianapolis, IN
Win 6–0–1 United States John Moore UD 8 June 25, 2003 Evansville, IN Retained Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title.
Win 5–0–1 United States Guy Solis TKO 1 (8), 2:59 June 3, 2003 Indianapolis, IN Retained Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title.
Win 4–0–1 United States John Moore TKO 8 (8), 1:43 April 1, 2003 Indianapolis, IN Won Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title.
Win 3–0–1 United States Ruben Ruiz TKO 1 (4), 2:59 December 3, 2002 Indianapolis, IN
Win 2–0–1 United States Donnie Penelton UD 4 October 1, 2002 Indianapolis, IN
Win 1–0–1 United States Toris Smith TKO 1 (4) August 6, 2002 Memphis, TN
Draw 0–0–1 United States Matt Putnam PTS 4 June 25, 2002 Baraboo, WI

Bare knuckle record

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Professional record breakdown
3 matches 3 wins 0 losses
By knockout 2 0
By decision 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 3–0 JC Llamas Decision (unanimous) Bare Knuckle FC 4 February 2, 2019 5 2:00 Cancun, Mexico
Win 2–0 Drew Lipton KO (punches) BKFC 2: A New Era August 25, 2018 1 1:18 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 1–0 Lewis Gallant TKO (corner stoppage) BKB 9 January 13, 2018 3 1:56 London, England

See also

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Notes and references

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  1. ^ "Chris Lytle: Fireman, Father, UFC Star". Archived from the original on 2009-06-22. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
  2. ^ Episode Recap mentioning his children and his job as a firefighter
  3. ^ a b "Lytle eyeing a hometown advantage". SUNTIMES.com. 2010-07-23. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
  4. ^ Gerbasi, Thomas. "Lytle considering run for office in 2012". www.UFC.com. UFC. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  5. ^ "UFC veteran Chris Lytle latest addition to panel of MMA analysts for FOX Sports 1 (Updated)". mmamania.com. July 11, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c UFC (March 18, 2023). "UFC Welterweight Division - Stats". UFC.com.
  7. ^ "Sherdog's 2010 All-Violence Team - First Team".
  8. ^ "Chris Lytle - Boxer". Archived from the original on 2015-03-16. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  9. ^ "Chris Lytle's career boxing record". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
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