Matt Mitrione

Matthew Steven Mitrione (born July 15, 1978) is an American mixed martial artist and former NFL football player, playing for the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He was a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.

Mixed martial arts
Mitrione is a former member of Integrated Fighting Academy with Chris Lytle in Indiana. He currently trains out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the Blackzillians.

The Ultimate Fighter
Mitrione appeared on the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. On the show, he was given the unofficial nickname "Meathead" by his coach Rashad Evans. After being picked second to last by Evans, Mitrione fought and defeated Scott Junk via majority (19–19, 20–18 and 20–18) decision, moving him on to the quarter finals.

Following Mitrione's fight with Junk, Mitrione complained about migraines and dizziness, causing many of the cast members to feel that Mitrione may bow out of the competition to give Kimbo Slice a second opportunity. Much to the dismay of everyone, including Dana White, Mitrione did fight and was eliminated by teammate James McSweeney in the quarterfinals, losing via guillotine choke.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Mitrione made his professional MMA debut at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale defeating Marcus Jones via KO early in the second round.

Mitrione then faced another fellow Ultimate Fighter alumnus Kimbo Slice at UFC 113 in Montreal. Mitrone chopped Slice down with leg kicks and eventually defeated Slice via TKO (punches) in the second round, taking his professional record to 2–0.

Mitrione faced Joey Beltran on September 25, 2010 at UFC 119. He won the fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) and also won the "Fight of the Night" award.

Mitrione defeated Tim Hague on January 22, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 23 via TKO in the first round. It was mentioned during the post-fight interview that Mitrione had broken his left hand and later confirmed that he had injured the second metacarpal in his left hand.

Mitrione fought Christian Morecraft on June 26, 2011 at UFC on Versus 4. Mitrione dominated the first round with his standup scoring two knockdowns. Mitrione ended the fight via KO at 4:28 of round 2.

Mitrione suffered his first professional MMA loss to Cheick Kongo via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–28, 29–28) on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Mitrione was unable to mount any consistent offense against Kongo on the feet as Kongo used his jab to keep Mitrione at bay, and in the 3rd round Kongo secured a takedown and controlled Mitrione through the end of the fight.

Mitrione was expected to face Rob Broughton on August 4, 2012 at UFC on FOX 4. However, the bout was scrapped after Broughton pulled out for an undisclosed personal matter.

Mitrione/Broughton was briefly linked to UFC on FX 5 but was eventually scrapped altogether.

Mitrione was expected to face Philip De Fries on December 29, 2012 at UFC 155. But Mitrione was pulled out of the bout to step in for injured Shane Carwin against Roy Nelson at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale on December 15, 2012. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Mitrione/De Fries is now expected to take place on April 6, 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV 9.

Personal life
Mitrione has two sons and one daughter with wife Tina. The couple had their third child in November 2010. Matt was also a former defensive tackle for Purdue University's football team from 1998–2001.

Matt Mitrione has been involved with several other UFC fighters (Sean Pierson, Mark Hominick, and Sam Stout) as part of a Toronto area anti-bullying program.

Championships and accomplishments

 * '''Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Fight of the Night (One time)