Matt Wiman
Matt Wiman | “Handsome”
Ht: 5’10 – Wt: 155 – Age: 29
Born: Colorado, USA
Fights out of: Arvada, CO, USA
Team: Easton BJJ
Overall Record: 15-6
UFC Record: 9-4
Background:
Matt Wiman was a previous contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 5 and has since made a solid run in the UFC lightweight division amassing a respectable 8-4 UFC record. Wiman began his MMA career in 2004, going 6-2 on the independent circuit with his only losses coming to veterans Roger Huerta and Nick Agallar. Wiman was called up to the UFC where he faced off against former veteran contender Spencer Fisher at UFC 60. Wiman lost the fight via knockout, but soon earned a spot on season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter. Wiman won his first fight over Marlon Sims before losing to Manny Gamburyan in the quarterfinals. Wiman moved on to defeat Brian Geraghty at the TUF 5 Finale before winning 3 straight fights over veteran competition such as Michihiro Omigawa, Justin Buchholz, and Thiago Tavares. Wiman’s quick rise up the ranks came to a halt as he lost consecutive, hard-fought decisions to Jim Miller and Sam Stout. Wiman bounced back with 3 straight wins over Shane Nelson, Mac Danzig, and Cole Miller before losing a razor-thin decision to Dennis Siver. Wiman finished off the year by defeating Mac Danzig for the second time, after their first fight was stopped early.
2011 Breakdown:
Wiman went 2-1 in 2011, his only loss coming via controversial decision.
Wiman faced Cole Miller at UFC Fight Night 23, winning a dominant unanimous decision over his fellow TUF 5 alum. Wiman used his wrestling to control most of the fight, punishing Miller with ground ‘n’ pound from the top.
Wiman moved on to face striker Dennis Siver at UFC 132 as both fighters were carrying significant win streaks coming into the bout. The winner was likely in line receive a marquee fight next time out. Wiman and Siver put on a back-and-forth, though Wiman landed the most significant offense in the 2nd round with some brutal ground ‘n’ pound. Siver escaped with a unanimous decision that was booed by many. I scored the fight for Wiman as well 30-29.
Wiman fought once more in 2011, attempting to settle the score with Mac Danzig whom he had previously beaten in 2010. In their first bout, Wiman locked on a guillotine that the referee mistakingly thought forced Danzig to go unconscious. The referee stopped the fight and Danzig stood right up to protest, obviously showing he was still able to fight. Wiman and Danzig partook in a much closer fight this time out as they earned Fight of the Night honors, battling tooth-and-nail for all 3 rounds. Wiman ended up winning the unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle.
2012 Forecast:
Wiman has turned out to be a solid, mid-level fighter. He lacks the standout finishing skills to make him a title contender, but he is well-rounded, showing improved wrestling and striking over the course of his career. Wiman has proven to be a grinder, but at times will let his opponent dictate the pace, which has cost him some decision wins. Wiman deserves a fight against higher-level competition considering his recent 4-1 run, but he has continually fallen short against stiffer competition.
Matt Wiman Fight Record
Overall Record: 14-6
2008-2011 Record: 6-3
2011 Record: 2-1
Win | Mac Danzig | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 10/01/2011
Loss | Dennis Siver | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 07/02/2011
Win | Cole Miller | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 01/22/2011
2010 Record: 1-0
Win | Mac Danzig | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 06/12/2010
2009 Record: 1-1
Win | Shane Nelson | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 12/12/2009
Loss | Sam Stout | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 04/18/2009
2008 Record: 2-1
Loss | Jim Miller | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 12/10/2008
Win | Thiago Tavares | KO | Rd 2 | UFC | 06/07/2008
Win | Justin Buchholz | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 01/23/2008
