Issue 054
September 2009
With the legendary Randy Couture leading the way, men who might be considered ‘over the hill’ in other sports are busy mixing it up in MMA. In a sport where guile and experience count as much as youthful energy and athleticism, fighters over the age of 35 are still able to regularly step into the cage. We take a look at a few men approaching middle age who would still, undoubtedly, kick your ass.
Mark Coleman
16-9-0, light heavyweight
Cung Le
6-0-0, middleweight
Frank Trigg
19-6-0, welterweight
Matt Lindland
21-6-0, middleweight
Shonie Carter
46-18-7, welterweight
Jorge Rivera
16-7-0, middleweight
Jeff Monson
30-8-0, heavyweight
Age
Mark Coleman
Born in December 1964; 44 years of age.
Cung Le
Born in May 1972; 37 years of age.
Frank Trigg
Born in May 1972; 37 years of age.
Matt Lindland
Born in May 1970; 39 years of age.
Shonie Carter
Born in May 1972; 37 years of age.
Jorge Rivera
Born in February 1972; 37 years of age.
Jeff Monson
Born in January 1971; 38 years of age.
In brief
Mark Coleman
Perma-tanned former Olympian who wrote the book on ground ‘n pound back in the mid ‘90s.
Cung Le
Vietnamese-American kickboxing expert known for his flashy yet effective kicks. Dana White would love to sign him.
Frank Trigg
Brash welterweight wrestler known for his two-year feud with Matt Hughes from 2003–2005.
Matt Lindland
Olympic silver medalist and founding member of Team Quest, buddies with Couture and Henderson.
Shonie Carter
Remembered best for his colorful appearance on TUF 4, Carter is a journeyman and showman with bags of personality.
Jorge Rivera
Marc Dellagrotte-trained UFC stalwart. Has fought the likes of Anderson Silva, Lee Murray, Rich Franklin, Martin Kampmann and more.
Jeff Monson
Heavily tattooed American Top Team-trained anarchist and former UFC title contender.
Active since
Mark Coleman
Coleman made his MMA debut in 1996, days before his 32nd birthday.
Cung Le
Le fought in kickboxing and san shou for many years, and only made his MMA debut in 2006.
Frank Trigg
Trigg started fighting 12 years ago, in 1997.
Matt Lindland
Lindland made his MMA debut in 1997 but continued to wrestle and went to the Olympics in 2000.
Shonie Carter
A 12-year veteran of the sport, Carter made his debut in 1997.
Jorge Rivera
Did not make his debut until he was 29 years of age, in 2001.
Jeff Monson
Made his MMA debut in 1998, a total of 11 years as a pro.
Chance of Retirement
Mark Coleman
Though he claims he can keep going, mounting injuries mean he may have to call it a day.
Cung Le
High. Le has achieved about as much as he can where he is, and a career as an actor beckons.
Frank Trigg
No way. He’s just re-signed with the UFC after four years away and will fight Koscheck in September.
Matt Lindland
Slim. Though he fights less regularly now, he’s still capable and a dangerous test for anyone.
Shonie Carter
Not a chance. With 72 fights to his name, Carter may be relegated to the smaller shows but he’s still active.
Jorge Rivera
Reportedly considered retiring after the death of his eldest daughter in 2008, but last fought in April 2009.
Jeff Monson
Zero. Monson is one of the busiest fighters around. Fought three times in three weeks earlier this year.
Must-See Fight
Mark Coleman
His three-fight journey to the Pride 2000 Open Weight Grand Prix title was a defining moment in his career.
Cung Le
His fight with Frank Shamrock was as entertaining as it was shocking (Le broke Shamrock’s arm with kicks).
Frank Trigg
Though he lost both times, his wars with Hughes are legendary. Also worth checking out is his brutal pasting of Mayhem Miller in 2006.
Matt Lindland
The two tussles he had with Phil Baroni in the UFC are essential viewing. Dramatic and full of bad blood. Exhilarating.
Shonie Carter
His 2001 battle with Matt Serra was one of the greatest come-from-behind wins ever – check it out.
Jorge Rivera
He destroyed Kendall Grove in January 2008, in little over a minute, showcasing his power and striking ability.
Jeff Monson
Few of Monson’s fights are considered ‘must sees’ due to his plodding (yet effective) grappling style.
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