Fighter Profile: Matt "The Terror" Serra

MMA Record: 9-6

Hometown: East Meadow, New York

Height: 5’6

Weight: 155/170 lbs.

Age: 34

Most would agree, it’s fun to root for the underdog. But why? Is it their shortage of size, strength, or skill? Maybe it’s their desire to never give up? Whatever the case may be, Matt Serra definitely fit’s the “underdog” role.

Born on June 2nd, 1974, Matthew John Serra started practicing martial arts at a very young age. Beginning with Kung Fu in the ’90s, he started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Renzo Gracie and was the first American to ever receive a black belt under the Brazilian. He did so on May 23rd, 2000.

“The Terror,” made his UFC debut against Shonie Carter at UFC 31. Although losing the bout, Serra impressed UFC personnel and has never fought in another MMA organization since. With victories over top fighters such as Yves Edwards, Jeff Curran, Ivan Menjivar, and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle, Serra has always been considered a top tier competitor.

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Serra (9-5), experienced his biggest professional accomplishment after winning the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter in November of 2006. With a guaranteed UFC welterweight title shot in his possession, Matt pulled off the arguably the greatest upset in UFC history when he defeated heavily favored welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 on April 7th, 2007.

Matt later loss the title to St-Pierre in a rather one-sided affair at UFC 83. Since being defeated by the French-Canadian, Serra has been battling through nagging injuries. His long awaited grudge match with UFC legend Matt Hughes is set to take place at UFC 98 later this year.

Recent Matt Serra MMA News:

• Lost to Matt Hughes by Unanimous Decision at UFC 98 on May 23, 2009 - UFC 98 results

• Defeated Frank Trigg by KO in Round 1 at UFC 109 on February 6, 2010 - UFC 109 results

• Lost to Chris Lytle by Unanimous Decision on September 25, 2010 in Indianapolis, IN - UFC 119 results

By Adrian Neely
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer
Published March 2009

Photo courtesy of UFC