Matt Mitrione
Active 2010–present · rated in 3 editions · peak overall 76.0
Scouting report
Athletic speed and southpaw movement from his background as an NFL defensive tackle allowed Matt "Meathead" Mitrione to rack up nine career knockouts. Born in Springfield, Illinois, Mitrione scored stoppages over Derrick Lewis, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Fedor Emelianenko, his power captured by an 85 Boxing, 86 Strength, and 76 Overall rating.
Peak ratings
By edition
Mitrione showcased southpaw athleticism between 2011 and 2013, knocking out Christian Morecraft with punches, defeating Philip De Fries in 19 seconds in Stockholm, and dropping bouts to Cheick Kongo, Roy Nelson, and Brendan Schaub. His footwork, straight left hand power, and athletic movement are reflected in an 84 Boxing and 78 Cardio.
Mitrione compiled a three-fight first-round knockout streak across 2014, stopping Shawn Jordan in Macau, Derrick Lewis in 41 seconds in Mashantucket, and Gabriel Gonzaga with punches in Phoenix, before dropping a submission to Ben Rothwell in New Orleans. His hand speed, blitz power, and movement anchor his 85 Boxing and 78 Cardio.
In January 2016 in Boston, Mitrione lost by third-round TKO to Travis Browne, before moving to Bellator MMA where he stopped Fedor Emelianenko and beat Roy Nelson on a majority decision. His hands, knockout power, and kickboxing speed justify his 84 Boxing and 78 Cardio ratings.
Matt Mitrione, the NFL defensive tackle who took up fighting
Matt Mitrione started 35 straight games at defensive tackle for Purdue, then signed with the New York Giants after going undrafted in 2002. Foot injuries cut short his football career, and he later joined the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. He lost in the quarterfinals to James McSweeney by guillotine but beat Kimbo Slice in his second pro fight by second-round stoppage. He knocked out Derrick Lewis in 2014 and Fedor Emelianenko in Bellator in 2017.
Mitrione in eight parts
Boxing. Very good. He knocked out Phil De Fries in 19 seconds in 2013.
Kickboxing. Adequate. Leg kicks chopped down Slice in 2010.
Wrestling. Modest. Kongo took him down in the third round in 2011 and controlled him to the end.
BJJ. His lowest number. Brendan Schaub and Ben Rothwell both submitted him.
Strength. His top rating. He beat Gabriel Gonzaga by first-round TKO in 2014.
Durability. Fine. He got up from a knockdown by Carl Seumanutafa to win in 2016.
Cardio. Average. He went the distance in decision wins over Joey Beltran and Roy Nelson.
Fight IQ. Reasonable. He beat Nelson in 2018 to avenge a 2012 loss.
Strength at 86 edges out his hands
His boxing sits right behind at 85, so this is a close call. He knocked out Shawn Jordan at 4:59 of round one in 2014 and stopped Gonzaga later that year. Strength is what makes his shots dangerous late in a round.
BJJ at 65 is where he loses
Schaub submitted him in the first round in 2013, Rothwell in 2015, and Tyrell Fortune stopped him in 2021 after a takedown. Any fighter with a ground plan has an opening.
Keep exploring
Closest heavyweight profiles to Matt Mitrione, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Walt Harrisbest strength 91 · weakest bjj 66
- Augusto Sakaibest strength 86 · weakest bjj 72
- Tai Tuivasabest strength 92 · weakest bjj 62
- Cheick Kongobest strength 89 · weakest bjj 70
- Heavyweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Matt Mitrione's strongest attribute, Strength.
Draft Matt Mitrione into your build
Matt Mitrione enters the pool on any spin landing on heavyweight between 2010 and 2017. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Matt Mitrione is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Matt Mitrione's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.