Quick Facts
Biography
Chris Scott Lytle (born August 18, 1974) is a retired American mixed martial artist, boxer and a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Lytle was prominently featured as a Welterweight on The Ultimate Fighter 4: The Comeback. While he is probably best known for competing the UFC, where he held a record of 10-10, Lytle has also fought in the WEC, Pancrase, and the Cage Rage Championships He is the former Cage Rage World Welterweight Champion. In Lytle's mixed martial arts and boxing career he was never knocked out or submitted, though he did lose in mixed martial arts competition by TKO by way of cut stoppage.
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. Lytle attended Indiana University where he achieved a degree in Sports Management.
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."
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 on the feet, 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 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. The judges scored it 29–28 (twice) and 30–27. 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 in 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 a knee injury to Kim. Lytle instead faced Brian Foster at UFC 110 and was victorious via first round submission (kneebar).
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 Lesnar for the surprising arm triangle choke on 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. Lytle was defeated by Ebersole via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 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 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
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. He ran for the Indiana State Senate in District 28 in 2012 but lost.
On July 11, 2014, it was announced that Lytle was the latest to join the panel of MMA analysts for FOX Sports 1.
Currently Chris hosts the Lights Out Chris Lytle Show for City 360 TV in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Championships and achievements
Mixed martial arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- First Fighter to win Fight, Submission and Knockout of the Night bonuses
- Fight of the Night (Six times)
- Knockout of the Night (One time)
- Submission of the Night (Three times)
- Ultimate Fighter 4 (Finalist)
- Cage Rage
- Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship (One time)
- Sherdog
- 2010 All-Violence First Team
Boxing
- Indiana Boxing Association
- Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title (One time)
- Two successful title defenses
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 54 matches | 31 wins | 18 losses |
| By knockout | 3 | 2 |
| By submission | 22 | 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 | Fight of the Night & Submission 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 (mounted reverse triangle choke & 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 (mounted reverse triangle choke & straight armbar) | 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 | Lost the TUF 4: Welterweight |
| Win | 22–12–5 | Ross Mason | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Cage Rage 15 | February 4, 2006 | 2 | 4:57 | London, England | Won Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 21–12–5 | Savant Young | Submission (elbows) | WEC 18: Unfinished Business | January 13, 2006 | 1 | 3:50 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Loss | 20–12–5 | Joe Riggs | TKO (cut) | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Win | 10–7–5 | Yuji Hoshino | Submission (triangle choke) | Pancrase: Spirit 7 | October 29, 2002 | 1 | 2:09 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | Submission (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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | Round 1 in Tournament |
| 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 | Submission (punches) | Neutral Grounds 10 | February 13, 1999 | 1 | 11:33 | Muncie, Indiana, United States |
Professional boxing record
| 13 Wins (7 knockouts, 6 decisions), 1 Loss (1 decision), 1 Draw | |||||||
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Type | Rd., Time | Date | Location | Notes |
| Win | 13–1–1 |  Omar Pittman | TKO | 7 (8), 0:42 | June 18, 2005 | Rising Sun, IN | |
| Win | 12–1–1 | Verdell Smith | Unanimous decision | 8 | November 27, 2004 | Rising Sun, IN | |
| Win | 11–1–1 | Thomas Kirk | Unanimous decision | 6 | October 19, 2004 | Indianapolis, IN | |
| Win | 10–1–1 | Jonathan Corn | Unanimous decision | 8 | May 1, 2004 | Indianapolis, IN | |
| Win | 9–1–1 | Reggie Strickland | Unanimous decision | 6 | February 3, 2004 | Indianapolis, IN | |
| Loss | 8–1–1 | Shay Mobley | Unanimous decision | 8 | October 17, 2003 | Merrillville, IN | |
| Win | 8–0–1 | Darin Johnson | KO | 3 (8), 1:37 | October 7, 2003 | Indianapolis, IN | |
| Win | 7–0–1 | Mike Paul | TKO | 1 (4), 1:08 | August 5, 2003 | Indianapolis, IN | |
| Win | 6–0–1 | John Moore | Unanimous decision | 8 | June 25, 2003 | Evansville, IN | Retained Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title. |
| Win | 5–0–1 | Guy Solis | TKO | 1 (8), 2:59 | June 3, 2003 | Indianapolis, IN | Retained Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title. |
| Win | 4–0–1 | John Moore | TKO | 8 (8), 1:43 | April 1, 2003 | Indianapolis, IN | Won Indiana Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title. |
| Win | 3–0–1 | Ruben Ruiz | TKO | 1 (4), 2:59 | December 3, 2002 | Indianapolis, IN | |
| Win | 2–0–1 | Donnie Penelton | Unanimous decision | 4 | October 1, 2002 | Indianapolis, IN | |
| Win | 1–0–1 | Toris Smith | TKO | 1 (4) | August 6, 2002 | Memphis, TN | |
| Draw | 0–0–1 | Matt Putnam | Draw | 4 | June 25, 2002 | Baraboo, WI | |