Aaron Simpson

Aaron Michael Simpson (born July 20, 1974) is an American mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2000 until 2013, he is perhaps best known for his 11-fight stint with the UFC, but also fought for the pre-Zuffa owned WEC and the World Series of Fighting.

Background Simpson was born in Gunnison, Colorado and grew up in Wellton, Arizona, where he attended Antelope Union High School. In high school he was a standout wrestler, compiling an amazing 142–1 record, and earned four state wrestling championships before going to compete in the sport for Arizona State University originally as a walk on before earning his scholarship. He compiled 110 wins and earned NCAA All-American status in 1996 and 1998 and then became an assistant coach for ASU and spent nine years there in that position. Simpson then worked as an assistant coach at California Polytechnic State University.

Mixed martial arts World Extreme Cagefighting Simpson made his WEC debut against accomplished grappler David Avellan at WEC 36. Simpson won in the first round with a highlight-reel KO.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Simpson was part of the transfer of Light Heavyweight and Middleweight fighters in the WEC to the UFC. He made his debut at UFC Fight Night 18 by defeating Tim McKenzie via TKO in the first round.

He was set to have his second fight against Dan Miller on September 16, 2009, at UFC Fight Night 19. Instead the fight was moved to UFC 102 where he fought Ed Herman. Simpson won by technical knockout when Herman went down with a knee injury in the second round.

Simpson faced Tom Lawlor on January 11, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 20, defeating him via controversial split decision.

Simpson was expected to face Chris Leben at UFC 114, but the bout took place instead on June 19, 2010, at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale. Simpson lost the fight via TKO at 4:17 of round 2. Simpson started out strong, using his wrestling to bring the heavier hitting Leben down multiple times. In the second round, Simpson came out gassed and ate multiple shots against the cage before turning and running away, falling against the cage, forcing the referee to save him.

Simpson was expected to face David Branch on September 15, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 22, but was forced to pull out of the bout with a staph infection.

Simpson faced Mark Muñoz on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Simpson returned to winning by defeating Mario Miranda on March 26, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 24. Simpson dominated the fight by controlling Miranda on the ground en route to a unanimous decision victory. The judges scored the fight (30–27, 30–27, 30–26).

Simpson was expected to face returning UFC veteran Jason Miller on July 2, 2011, at UFC 132. However, on May 27, 2011, it was revealed that Miller would be one of the coaches of The Ultimate Fighter Season 14, opposite to Michael Bisping and had been pulled from the bout, while Simpson faced Brad Tavares. Simpson won via unanimous decision.

Simpson was expected to face Nick Catone on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136. However, Catone was forced out of the bout after tearing an Achilles tendon, and replaced by Eric Schafer, who he defeated by unanimous decision.

Simpson faced Ronny Markes on February 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 1. Markes defeated Simpson via split decision.

Following his split decision loss to Markes, Simpson confirmed he would drop down to the Welterweight division.

Simpson was expected to face Jon Fitch on July 11, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Munoz vs. Weidman. However, Fitch pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury and was replaced by returning veteran Kenny Robertson. Simpson won a unanimous decision over Robertson.

Simpson fought Mike Pierce on October 5, 2012, at UFC on FX 5. After nearly finishing Pierce on two occasions in the first round, Simpson was knocked out 29 seconds into the second round. After the loss, the UFC chose not to renew Simpson's contract.

World Series of Fighting Following his UFC release, Simpson signed with the new MMA company World Series of Fighting. He fought Josh Burkman at World Series of Fighting 2 on March 23, 2013. Simpson and his wife are vegetarians. "I read a book called ‘Eating Animals’ that changed my thoughts,” he said. “And I’m an animal lover. I couldn’t justify what I was eating any more by the way meat is factory produced now and full of hormones, the way the animals are killed, it really turns me off."

Championships and accomplishments Collegiate wrestling National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA Division I All-American out of Arizona State University (1996, 1998) NCAA Division I 177 lb: 4th place out of Arizona State University (1998) NCAA Division I 177 lb: 8th place out of Arizona State University (1996) Pac-10 Conference 177 lb: Champion out of Arizona State University (1997–98)

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Tom Lawlor Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Tim McKenzie UFC.com Awards 2009: Ranked #3 Newcomer of the Year 2010: Ranked #8 Fight of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Joshua Burkman KO (knee and punches) World Series of Fighting 2

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Mike Pierce KO (punch) UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Win

Kenny Robertson Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Munoz vs. Weidman

San Jose, California, United States Welterweight debut. Loss

Ronny Markes Decision (split) UFC on Fuel TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger

Omaha, Nebraska, United States Win

Eric Schafer Decision (unanimous) UFC 136

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Brad Tavares Decision (unanimous) UFC 132

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Mario Miranda Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis

Seattle, Washington, United States Loss

Mark Muñoz Decision (unanimous) UFC 123

Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States Loss

Chris Leben TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Tom Lawlor Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz

Fairfax, Virginia, United States Win

Ed Herman TKO (knee injury) UFC 102

Portland, Oregon, United States Win

Tim McKenzie TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann

Nashville, Tennessee, United States Win

David Avellan KO (punch) WEC 36: Faber vs. Brown

Hollywood, Florida, United States Win

Travis Degraw TKO (punches) Full Moon Fighting 2

Rocky Point, Mexico Win

Scott Dingman TKO (punches) Tuff-N-Uff: Thompson vs. Troyer

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Tim Coulson TKO (punches) Proving Grounds 2

Cayman Islands Win

Billy Onlewski Submission (rear-naked choke) Arizona Cage Combat

Payson, Arizona, United States