Photo Credit: Dustin Poirier by ezgif.com
As UFC is booming at the moment, all of a sudden every mix-martial-arts fighter wants to compete in the big league.
This has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and its popularity is going through the roof, especially with incredible events coming up and the possible comeback of Connor McGregor, unless he changes his mind and becomes a movie star.
In UFC we’ve seen fighters from all around the world, and a fair bit of them are coming from the United States. But what about Louisiana? Well, this might be a state mostly known for jazz and the Mardi Gras festival, but we also have a handful of UFC fighters that made it into the spotlight.
UFC is quite popular in Louisiana, so it shouldn’t surprise us that we have many world champions and upcoming stars who just joined the UFC.
But if we have to pick, which ones deserve to be on the Louisiana best fighter’s list?
Dustin Poirier: The Diamond of the Bayou
We start with the biggest and most popular player coming from Louisiana – Dustin Poirier. This is one of the most celebrated fighters coming from the Pelican State, and over the years he has earned the nickname “The Diamond”. Does this mean that Poirier shines like a diamond or is he tough as a diamond? Probably both.
He started his career in World Extreme Cage Fighting and fortunately transitioned to the more commercial scene of UFC. He is mostly known for his incredible power and has a knack for finishing fights, which often gets his Fight of the Night honors.
In 2019 he managed to defeat Max Holloway and has beaten Conor McGregor TWICE! There are other popular names that have fallen beside him like Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje.
If you know how to sports bet in Louisiana then you surely are aware of Poirier’s abilities to win you some bets on UFC.
Daniel Cormier: The Double Champ
Before making his mark in the UFC, Daniel Cormier was a world-class wrestler. His transition to MMA saw him become one of the sport's most dominant fighters, claiming titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
Career Highlights
• Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion: One of the few fighters to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
• Notable Wins: Anthony Johnson, Stipe Miocic, and Anderson Silva.
• Retirement: Cormier retired in 2020 but continues to influence the sport as a commentator and analyst.
Cormier's wrestling background gave him an edge in grappling, but his striking and strategic fight IQ made him a complete fighter. His rivalry with Jon Jones is one of the most talked-about in MMA history.
Tim Credeur: A Trailblazer
Tim Credeur might not be as famous as Poirier or Cormier, but his contributions to MMA, especially in Louisiana, are significant. Known for his balanced fighting style, Credeur was one of the early pioneers in the sport from the state.
Career Highlights
• The Ultimate Fighter 7: Made a memorable run in the reality series.
• Fight of the Night: Earned accolades for his bout against Nate Quarry.
• Retirement: Now focuses on coaching and spending time with his family.
Credeur's career set the stage for future Louisiana fighters, showing that with grit and determination, success in the UFC is achievable.
Alan Jouban: The Model Fighter
Alan Jouban, known for his knockout power and modeling career, brought a unique flair to the UFC. With an impressive record and several Fight of the Night performances, Jouban was a fan favorite during his active years.
Career Highlights
• UFC Debut: Knocked out Seth Baczynski in the first round.
• Fight of the Night: Earned multiple awards for his thrilling bouts.
• Retirement: Now enjoys a career outside the octagon, focusing on his family and other ventures.
Jouban’s blend of athleticism and charisma made him a standout in the welterweight division.
Matt Schnell: The Rising Star
Matt Schnell, another Louisiana talent, has been making waves in the flyweight division. Known for his quick submissions and tenacity, Schnell is a fighter to watch.
Career Highlights
• The Ultimate Fighter 24: Made it to the quarterfinals.
• Fight of the Night: Notable performance against Su Mudaerji, winning via triangle choke.
• Current Prospects: Continues to climb the ranks with upcoming fights.
Schnell's dynamic fighting style and ability to adapt make him a promising contender in the flyweight division.
Louisiana's Impact on the UFC
Louisiana fighters have significantly impacted the UFC, bringing a unique blend of toughness, skill, and heart to the sport. From legendary champions to rising stars, these athletes have showcased their talents on the biggest stages.
Training Grounds
The success of these fighters can be attributed to the rigorous training environments in Louisiana. Gyms like the Core UFC Gym offer top-notch facilities and coaching, helping fighters develop their skills in striking, grappling, and conditioning.
Challenges and Opportunities
The path to UFC stardom is fraught with challenges. Fighters must navigate minor leagues, endure grueling training camps, and seize every opportunity. However, the legacy of fighters like Poirier and Cormier provides a roadmap for future champions from Louisiana.
FAQs
Who is the most famous UFC fighter from Louisiana? Dustin Poirier and Daniel Cormier share the spotlight as the most famous UFC fighters from Louisiana, both having achieved significant success and titles in their careers.
What makes Louisiana fighters unique? Louisiana fighters are known for their resilience, diverse skill sets, and the ability to perform in high-stakes fights, often earning Fight of the Night honors.
Where do Louisiana fighters train? Many train at gyms like the Core UFC Gym, which provides comprehensive training programs to develop all aspects of MMA fighting.
