Issue 109
December 2013
The unknown fighters who left their mark on the records of MMA’s biggest stars
The welterweight ‘Immortal‘ might be a top UFC contender these days, but in only his third fight he met wily veteran Pete Spratt who taught the MMA novice a lesson or two in the cage
If there’s a true underdog story in the UFC at the moment, it would probably have to be that of Matt Brown. ‘The Immortal’ has strung together a six-fight win streak of late that most fighters would kill for, finishing five of those in highlight-reel fashion and quickly becoming a fan favorite in the process. However, in 2006, two fights into his career, Brown met wily veteran Pete Spratt at the first International Freestyle Fighting event. Experience proved itself to be the key to victory as Spratt earned a decision following a grueling three-round battle.
What was MMA like in Texas back in 2006? Was it difficult finding fights at that time?
“I wouldn’t say it was too difficult to find fights. I’d already been in the UFC back then and people kind of knew my name so it was a little bit easier for me to get fights. When I fought Matt, I’d just taken some time off from mixed martial arts and that was supposed to be my last bout as I thought I was through with fighting. I’d been overseas and done some kickboxing and I was just done with the whole fight thing.”
What made you take the fight against Matt Brown if that’s how you felt?
“I’d actually already booked the fight beforehand. I was going to fight Matt and then that would be my last one because I planned on retiring. Fortunately, on the day of the weigh-in I got a call from my manager who asked me if I was interested in being on the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter. I made a quick phone call to one of my old trainers, Saul Soliz, because he’d just finished up as an assistant coach on the previous season of The Ultimate Fighter with Tito Ortiz. He told me I should definitely give it a shot, so I called them back and told them I was in. I fought Matt on a Saturday and then on Tuesday I was flown to Vegas to do my interview. Two weeks later I was on the show.”
Did you know much about Matt before you went into the fight?
“I didn’t really know much about him at all to be honest. All I knew was that he was training with Jorge Gurgel at the time. There wasn’t much in terms of tape on him so I didn’t know much at all.”
You were a pretty experienced fighter at the time so did Matt show any signs of fear?
“He was pretty confident in there that night, not as confident as he is these days, but he was still pretty tough and pretty game even back then. He was definitely trying to go in and beat me during the fight. It was a good battle.”
Did you two have a conversation afterwards about the fight? Did you give him any advice?
“Not really. After the fight, I was obviously concerned with The Ultimate Fighter. The last thing the producers told me before I went to the audition was to not get beaten up too badly – and not to lose (laughs). So there was a little bit of pressure going into the fight with Matt. Strangely enough he actually contacted me a few years later to ask me what he needed to do to get himself on to The Ultimate Fighter.”
Are you surprised at how far he’s come since you two fought? He’s a top 10 welterweight now and he’s finishing a lot of his opponents.
“I’m not surprised at all, it’s the fight game so anything can happen. He’s doing pretty well for himself and I know he had twins with his wife a few years ago, so he’s got a heck of a lot to fight and win for these days.”
MATT BROWN VS PETE SPRATT
INTERNATIONAL FREESTYLE FIGHTING 1
MAY 6TH 2006
