Chris Lytle

Last updated
Chris Lytle
Chris Lytle.png
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)
Division Heavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Middleweight
Welterweight
Reach68 in (173 cm)
Style Wrestling, Boxing, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Fighting, Muay Thai
Stance Orthodox
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
Occupation Firefighter [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.

Contents

Background

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, Chris has a black belt in a Korean martial art called Tang Soo Do. [3]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

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

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. This fight earned him a Submission of the Night award. [4]

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. This fight earned him his first Fight of the Night award. [5]

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." This fight earned him a $60,000 Knockout of the Night award. [6]

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. This fight earned him a $40,000 Fight of the Night award. [7]

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. [8]

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. [9] 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. This fight earned him another Submission of the Night award. [10]

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), winning a $75,000 Fight of the Night award. [11]

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. [12]

Personal life

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. [13]

On July 11, 2014, it was announced that Lytle was the latest to join the panel of MMA analysts for Fox Sports 1. [14]

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.

Lytle is a lead commentator for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. [15]

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts

Boxing

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
54 matches31 wins18 losses
By knockout62
By submission190
By decision616
Draws5
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win31–18–5 Dan Hardy Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle August 14, 201134:16 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United StatesSubmission of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Loss30–18–5 Brian Ebersole Decision (unanimous) UFC 127 February 27, 201135:00 Sydney, AustraliaFight of the Night.
Win30–17–5 Matt Serra Decision (unanimous) UFC 119 September 25, 201035:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win29–17–5 Matt Brown Submission (straight armbar) UFC 116 July 3, 201022:02 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win28–17–5 Brian Foster Submission (kneebar) UFC 110 February 21, 201011:41 Sydney, AustraliaSubmission of the Night.
Win27–17–5 Kevin Burns Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale June 20, 200935:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesFight of the Night.
Loss26–17–5 Marcus Davis Decision (split) UFC 93 January 17, 200935:00 Dublin, IrelandFight of the Night.
Win26–16–5 Paul Taylor Decision (unanimous) UFC 89 October 18, 200835:00 Birmingham, EnglandFight of the Night.
Loss25–16–5 Josh Koscheck Decision (unanimous) UFC 86 July 5, 200835:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win25–15–5Kyle BradleyTKO (punches) UFC 81 February 2, 200810:33 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesKnockout of the Night.
Loss24–15–5 Thiago Alves TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 78 November 17, 200725:00 Newark, New Jersey, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win24–14–5 Matt Brown Submission (guillotine choke)UFL: Fight Night at Conseco FieldhouseAugust 11, 200722:49 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win23–14–5Jason GilliamSubmission (inverted triangle choke and americana) UFC 73 July 7, 200712:15 Sacramento, California, United StatesSubmission of the Night.
Loss22–14–5 Matt Hughes Decision (unanimous) UFC 68 March 3, 200735:00 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss22–13–5 Matt Serra Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback Finale November 11, 200635:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 Welterweight Tournament Final.
Win22–12–5Ross MasonSubmission (rear-naked choke) Cage Rage 15 February 4, 200624:57 London, EnglandWon the Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship.
Win21–12–5 Savant Young TKO (submission to strikes) WEC 18: Unfinished Business January 13, 200613:50 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss20–12–5 Joe Riggs TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 55: Fury October 7, 200522:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win20–11–5Brian DunnTKO (punches)Legends of FightingAugust 13, 200512:03 Franklin, Indiana, United States
Win19–11–5 Pat Healy Decision (split) WEC 15: Judgment Day May 19, 200535:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss18–11–5 Karo Parisyan Decision (unanimous) UFC 51: Super Saturday February 5, 200535:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win18–10–5J.T. TaylorSubmission (forearm choke) WEC 12 October 21, 200412:53 Lemoore, California, United States
Win17–10–5 Ronald Jhun Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 49 August 21, 200421:17 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win16–10–5 Tiki Ghosn Submission (bulldog choke) UFC 47 April 2, 200421:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win15–10–5 Pete Spratt Submission (rear-naked choke)RSF: Shooto Challenge 2January 2, 200410:46 Belleville, Illinois, United States Middleweight bout.
Loss14–10–5 Robbie Lawler Decision (unanimous) UFC 45 November 21, 200335:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win14–9–5Derrick NobleSubmission (rear-naked choke)RSF: Shooto ChallengeOctober 3, 200322:04 Belleville, Illinois, United States
Win13–9–5Chatt LavenderTechnical submission (triangle choke)Absolute Fighting Championships 5September 5, 200310:55 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win12–9–5LaVerne ClarkDecision (unanimous)Battleground 1: War CryJuly 19, 200335:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss11–9–5Koji OishiDecision (split) Pancrase: Hybrid 4 April 12, 200335:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win11–8–5 Aaron Riley KO (punch)HOOKnSHOOT: Boot Camp 1.1March 8, 200313:31 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Loss10–8–5 Izuru Takeuchi Decision (majority) Pancrase: Spirit 9 December 21, 200235:00 Tokyo, Japan Middleweight bout.
Win10–7–5Yuji HoshinoSubmission (triangle choke) Pancrase: Spirit 7 October 29, 200212:09 Tokyo, Japan Middleweight bout.
Loss9–7–5 Nick Diaz Decision (split)IFC Warriors Challenge 17July 12, 200235:00 Porterville, California, United States
Win9–6–5 Kazuo Misaki Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Proof 7 December 1, 200135:00 Yokohama, Japan Middleweight bout.
Win8–6–5Jake AmbroseSubmission (rear-naked choke)Cage Rage 2April 14, 200111:49 Kokomo, Indiana, United States
Draw7–6–5 Dave Strasser DrawReality Submission Fighting 3March 30, 2001118:00 Illinois, United States
Draw7–6–4Nick HideDrawCircle City ChallengeFebruary 3, 200135:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win7–6–3Beaver BeaverSubmission (rear-naked choke)Bad Boy CompetitionNovember 24, 200012:18United States
Win6–6–3Mike HaltomTKO (submission to punches)Bad Boy CompetitionNovember 24, 200013:41United States
Loss5–6–3Ben EarwoodDecision (unanimous) UFC 28 November 17, 200025:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Welterweight debut.
Loss5–5–3 Shonie Carter Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: 2000 Anniversary Show September 24, 200033:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win5–4–3Taro ObataSubmission (arm-triangle choke) Pancrase: Trans 5 July 23, 200012:56 Tokyo, Japan Middleweight debut.
Loss4–4–3Daisuke IshiiDecision (unanimous) Pancrase: Trans 4 June 26, 2000110:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win4–3–3CJ FernandesSubmission (triangle choke)HOOKnSHOOT: Double Fury 1March 17, 200013:54United States
Loss3–3–3 Keiichiro Yamamiya Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Trans 1 January 23, 2000110:00 Tokyo, Japan Light Heavyweight debut.
Draw3–2–3 Ikuhisa Minowa Draw Pancrase: Breakthrough 11 December 18, 1999115:00 Yokohama, Japan
Loss3–2–2 Dave Menne Decision (unanimous)Extreme Challenge 29November 13, 199925:00 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win3–1–2Luke PedigoSubmission (guillotine choke)HOOKnSHOOT: MillenniumNovember 6, 199911:57United States
Draw2–1–2Takafumi ItoDraw Pancrase: 1999 Neo-Blood Tournament Opening Round August 1, 199923:00 Tokyo, JapanPancrase 1999 Neo-Blood Tournament Opening Round.
Loss2–1–1 Jason DeLucia Decision (majority) Pancrase: Breakthrough 7 July 6, 1999110:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win2–0–1Daisuke WatanabeSubmission (armbar) Pancrase: Breakthrough 6 June 11, 199915:30 Tokyo, Japan
Draw1–0–1Osami ShibuyaDraw Pancrase: Breakthrough 4 April 18, 1999115:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win1–0Bo HershbergerTKO (submission to punches)Neutral Grounds 10February 13, 1999111:33 Muncie, Indiana, United States

Professional boxing record

13 Wins (7 knockouts, 6 decisions), 1 Loss (1 decision), 1 Draw [23]
Res.RecordOpponentTypeRd., TimeDateLocationNotes
Win13–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Omar PittmanTKO7 (8), 0:42June 18, 2005 Rising Sun, IN
Win12–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Verdell SmithUD8November 27, 2004Rising Sun, IN
Win11–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Thomas KirkUD6October 19, 2004 Indianapolis, IN
Win10–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Jonathan CornUD8May 1, 2004Indianapolis, IN
Win9–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Reggie StricklandUD6February 3, 2004Indianapolis, IN
Loss8–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Shay MobleyUD8October 17, 2003 Merrillville, IN
Win8–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Darin JohnsonKO3 (8), 1:37October 7, 2003Indianapolis, IN
Win7–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Mike PaulTKO1 (4), 1:08August 5, 2003Indianapolis, IN
Win6–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg John MooreUD8June 25, 2003 Evansville, IN Retained Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title.
Win5–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Guy SolisTKO1 (8), 2:59June 3, 2003Indianapolis, INRetained Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title.
Win4–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg John MooreTKO8 (8), 1:43April 1, 2003Indianapolis, INWon Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title.
Win3–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Ruben RuizTKO1 (4), 2:59December 3, 2002Indianapolis, IN
Win2–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Donnie PeneltonUD4October 1, 2002Indianapolis, IN
Win1–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Toris SmithTKO1 (4)August 6, 2002 Memphis, TN
Draw0–0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Matt PutnamPTS4June 25, 2002 Baraboo, WI

Bare knuckle record

Professional record breakdown
3 matches3 wins0 losses
By knockout20
By decision10
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win3–0JC LlamasDecision (unanimous)Bare Knuckle FC 4February 2, 201952:00 Cancun, Mexico
Win2–0Drew LiptonKO (punches) BKFC 2: A New Era August 25, 201811:18 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win1–0Lewis GallantTKO (corner stoppage)BKB 9January 13, 201831:56 London, England

See also

Notes and references

  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. 1 2 "Lytle eyeing a hometown advantage". SUNTIMES.com. 2010-07-23. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
  4. 1 2 Steven Marrocco (2010-06-26). "Despite new game plan, don't expect fewer fireworks from UFC 116's Chris Lytle". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  5. 1 2 Sergio Hernandez (2011-05-20). "History in the Making: Thiago Alves collides with Chris Lytle in a welterweight shootout at UFC 78". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  6. 1 2 Staff (2008-02-03). "Nogueira, Sylvia, Lytle and Mir Earn $60,000 UFC 81 Fight Night Bonuses". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  7. 1 2 Staff (2008-10-18). "UFC 89 bonuses: Cane, Miller, Lytle and Taylor earns $40K each". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  8. 1 2 MMA Fighting (2009-01-17). "Davis-Lytle, Rua-Coleman: UFC 93 Fights of the Night". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  9. 1 2 Staff (2009-06-22). "Chris Lytle refutes claims he tapped out to Kevin Burns at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  10. 1 2 Brian Knapp (2010-02-20). "UFC 110 Bonuses: Lytle Kneebar Nets $50K". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  11. 1 2 Staff (2011-02-27). "UFC 127 bonuses: Hunt, Noke, Lytle and Ebersole earn $75,000 awards". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  12. 1 2 3 John Morgan (2011-08-15). "UFC on Versus 5 bonuses: Lytle, Hardy and Cerrone earn $65K awards". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  13. Gerbasi, Thomas. "Lytle considering run for office in 2012". UFC . UFC. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  14. "UFC veteran Chris Lytle latest addition to panel of MMA analysts for FOX Sports 1 (Updated)". mmamania.com. July 11, 2014.
  15. Staff (2024-05-23). "'I thought it was crazy': Now a believer, Chris Lytle sees similarities between BKFC and UFC early days". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  16. 1 2 3 UFC (December 7, 2024). "UFC Welterweight Division - Stats". UFC .
  17. Gerbasi, Thomas (2011-10-17). UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. New York: DK. p. 209. ISBN   978-0756683610.
  18. Thomas Gerbasi (December 31, 2007). "Ten Best – The Best Submissions of 2007". Ultimate Fighting Championship . Archived from the original on 2008-01-25.
  19. Thomas Gerbasi (December 16, 2010). "Ten Best – The Submissions of 2010". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  20. Thomas Gerbasi (January 5, 2012). "Ten Best - 2011 Submission of the Year". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  21. "Sherdog's 2010 All-Violence Team - First Team".
  22. "Chris Lytle - Boxer". Archived from the original on 2015-03-16. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  23. "Chris Lytle's career boxing record". Boxrec.com . Retrieved 2008-10-18.