Matt Dixon
Record: 8-0
Age: 24
Weight class: Welterweight
Height: 5’10”
Birthplace: Oklahoma
Next Fight: Friday vs. Justin Patterson (11-5) at LFA 83 in Dallas
Background: [autotag]Matt Dixon[/autotag]’s father loved boxing, so it makes sense that he’d enroll his son in self-defense classes at a young age. At 12, Dixon discovered MMA. His fandom turned into career aspirations, and he began training on a regular basis. At 14, Dixon met his head coach – the same one he has today. An undefeated amateur, Dixon’s lack of losses continued in the professional ranks. Largely competing for Oklahoma-based promotion Xtreme Fight Night, Dixon ran through the competition. To date, Dixon has accumulated six finishes with five knockouts and one submission. In November 2018, Dixon won the XFN welterweight title when he knocked out then-titleholder Brian Grinnell in 95 seconds. In his first title defense in April, Dixon continued his knockout streak with a second-round finish of Braden Smith.
The Skinny: Dixon has power, speed and the mentality of a contracted UFC or Bellator athlete. His attitude is positive and confident, and he’s very polished when it comes to his mic skills. Dixon is right there. In fact, he’s had major offers in the past, but contractual obligations have prevented him from accepting. Now with LFA, he’ll be able to pursue whatever comes his way. If he wins at LFA 84, Dixon will move to 9-0, making him a perfect option for a short-notice replacement, Dana White’s Contender Series participant, or maybe a straight signing to the UFC or Bellator.
In his own words: “There have been a lot of times in my life where I’ve liked certain things, but this is one thing that I’ve gravitated toward as a purpose. I’m a man of faith and I believe I was called to do this. Whenever I look at the sport, there are a lot of guys that are talented, look good and work hard. This is something I not only work hard at, this is something I believe I was called to do. That is one of the biggest things that separates me from other athletes in the sport. I’m not just doing this because it’s a sport I’m good at.
“At this moment right now, I see this fight opens a lot of doors. I’ve been blessed to have a lot of opportunities already presented my way. What’s wild about it is, every time I’ve gotten those opportunities, I’ve been in contract for other fights. When that happens, my hands are tied in those types of situations. That being said, I’m very excited about that bout because it’s definitely against an opponent that’s recognizable to the guys as the top as far as a promotion and matchmaking standpoint.”