TRAVIS LUTTER

The Ultimate Fighter Championship, better known as the UFC, has put mixed martial arts on the map. It is also single-handedly responsible for putting Travis Lutter on the map in the realm of MMA as well.

Lutter has seen his share of ups and downs in the fight world, and since winning the Ultimate Fighter 4 reality show he has also seen how competitive the sport has become.

“The Serial Killer” as he has been deemed by his peers for being known for his quiet demeanor and reserved fighting style has stepped into the octagon with some of the biggest names in the UFC, including Patrick Cote, Anderson Silva and Rich Franklin. His record of 2-4 in the UFC includes victories over Marvin Eastman and Cote, who has gone 5-0 since facing Lutter.

Today Lutter resides in Fort Worth, Texas, where he owns and operates the Travis Lutter Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy, but his experience on the reality series is something he won’t forget.

“The Ultimate Fighter 4 was different than the others in that it was veterans from the UFC that had fought and done well but maybe were down on their luck at the time. They gave me a call and asked me if I was interested,” said Lutter.

The black belt Brazilian Jiu-jitsu fighter defeated Cote to win the reality TV show, and earned a shot at the Middleweight title held by Anderson Silva. Lutter failed to make weight for the fight and it was changed to a non-title, three-round bout.

“I’ve missed weight one time in my life, but I had a rough year before facing Silva. I had torn my pec on the TV show, and I fought five times which was more than I had fought in a year. I missed weight, and it was deemed a non-title fight. I won the first two rounds, and he got me in a triangle choke and won,” said Lutter.

After suffering a loss to Silva, Lutter faced another one of the biggest names in UFC in Franklin. Their fight at UFC 83 ended in another defeat for Lutter, losing by technical knockout in the second round.

“Rich Franklin and I fought this year. I won the first round and for whatever reason I gassed and didn’t have much in the second round,” added Lutter.

Lutter has since been released from his UFC contract, but looks to make his return soon.

“UFC has been nothing but good to me and to mixed martial arts. They are responsible for making MMA the one of the fastest growing sports. I want to get a couple more victories under my belt and then go back to the UFC,” said Lutter.

Fans of UFC and Lutter will have an opportunity to meet the Ultimate Fighter 4 winner on October 25th at The Historic Cine El Rey Theatre in downtown McAllen when the theater plays host to the UFC 90 Viewing Party. Seating is limited at the special meet-and-greet event. Advance tickets are available online at www.ez-tixx.com or at any EZ-TIXX ticket outlet Valley wide.