Aaron Simpson
Aaron Simpson | “A-Train”
Ht: 6’0 – Wt: 170 – Age: 38
Born: Colorado, USA
Fights out of: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Team: Power MMA Team
Overall Record: 12-4
UFC Record: 7-4
Background:
Aaron Simpson was a two-time All-American wrestler at Arizona State University before making his way to mixed martial arts in 2000. Simpson won his MMA debut, but soon decided to return to wrestling as an assistant coach. In 2007, Simpson decided to make his return to MMA and quickly found success, finishing his next 3 opponents via TKO. Simpson signed with the WEC in 2008, and knocked out his first opponent before transitioning over to the UFC following the UFC’s absorption of the WEC’s heavier weight classes. Simpson won his UFC debut by scoring a TKO finish over Tim McKenzie before moving up in competition to face TUF 3 runner-up Ed Herman. Simpson was winning the fight before Herman suffered a knee injury forcing the stoppage. Simpson moved on to face Tom Lawlor, and despite getting rocked early, he was ultimately able to grind out a split decision victory. Simpson continued to move up the ranks as he faced off against heavy hitter Chris Leben. Leben rocked Simpson with big punches, ultimately handing Simpson his first career loss via 2nd round TKO. Simpson attempted to bounce back against Mark Munoz at UFC 123, but came up just short as he was unable to take Munoz down, losing via unanimous decision. Simpson eventually got back into the winning column by using his wrestling and clinch work to earn decision victories over Mario Miranda and Brad Tavares. Simpson closed out the year by dominating Eric Schafer with heavy strikes, once again picking up a decision victory.
2011 Breakdown:
Simpson fought 3 times in 2011, winning all 3 bouts via decision.
Simpson began the year by facing Mario Miranda at UFC Fight Night 24. Simpson controlled most of the fight with his wrestling, giving Miranda little room to operate. Simpson did not do anything to attempt to finish the fight and the crowd let him know it, continually booing the fight. Nonetheless, Simpson walked out the winner via unanimous decision.
Simpson was then booked to face Jason “Mayhem” Miller at UFC 132, but Miller was pulled from the card and eventually replaced by striker Brad Tavares. Simpson once again employed a wrestling-heavy attack. Simpson continually closed the distance and simply held Tavares up against the cage. The crowd once again booed Simpson throughout the fight. Simpson won the fight via unanimous decision.
Simpson moved on to face Nick Catone at UFC 136, but Catone was injured forcing Eric Schafer to step in on short notice. Simpson was finally willing to strike with his opponent and had Schafer badly rocked in the 1st round. Simpson continued to dominate the rest of the fight, though he was unable to score the finish.
2012 Forecast:
Simpson is one of the oldest fighters in the UFC, but he seems to still be improving as a fighter. HIs 3 wins in 2011 were not considered exciting by any means, yet putting together a win streak in the UFC is impressive nonetheless. Simpson’s striking defense still leaves a lot to be desired. His conditioning has also slipped a bit possibly due to his age. Simpson will have to make a move up the ladder soon because the window of opportunity is beginning to close. Simpson has adapted a very cautious fight style ever since his TKO loss to Chris Leben. Until he regains his confidence and aggressive nature, he will likely be relegated to fighting on the undercard against non-contenders.
Aaron Simpson Fight Record
Overall Record: 11-2
2008-2011 Record: 9-2
2011 Record: 3-0
Win | Eric Schafer | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 10/08/2011
Win | Brad Tavares | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 07/02/2011
Win | Mario Miranda | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 03/26/2011
2010 Record: 1-2
Loss | Mark Munoz | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 11/20/2010
Loss | Chris Leben | Tko | Rd 2 | UFC | 06/19/2010
Win | Tom Lawlor | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 01/11/2010
2009 Record: 2-0
Win | Ed Herman | Tko | Rd 2 | UFC | 08/29/2009
Win | Tim McKenzie | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 04/01/2009
2008 Record: 3-0
Win | David Avellan | KO | Rd 1 | WEC | 11/05/2008
Win | Travis Degraw | Tko | Rd 3 | | 05/31/2008
Win | Scott Dingman | Tko | Rd 1 | | 02/01/2008
