Learn more about Luke Sanders's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Pro since 2011
- Eight wins by KO, one by submission (RNC)
- Six first round finishes
- 2-2 in last four bouts
- Has gone the five round championship distance once
UFC History
UFC on ESPN (11/28/20) Sanders was submitted by Nate Maness via rear naked choke at 2:29 of the second round
UFC on ESPN (2/17/19) Sanders knocked out Renan Barao at 1:01 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (8/25/18) Sanders was submitted by Rani Yahya via heel hook at 1:31 of the first round
UFC on FOX (4/14/18) Sanders won a three round unanimous decision over Patrick Williams
UFC Fight Night (12/9/17) Sanders was stopped by Andre Soukhamthath via strikes at 1:06 of the second round
UFC 209 (3/4/17) Sanders was submitted by Iuri Alcantara via kneebar at 3:13 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (1/17/16) Sanders submitted Maximo Blanco via rear naked choke at 3:38 of the first round
STRIKEFORCE HISTORY
Challengers 13 (1/7/11) Sanders stopped Josh Jarvis via strikes at 3:15 of the first round
Q&A
TRAINING: Standup, wrestling, BJJ and strength training.
When and why did you start training for fighting? I was 17 when I knew I was definitely made to fight. My friends at the new school I transferred to entered me into a toughman contest at the city fair without me knowing. I fought three grown men that night and won 600 dollars. After that, I knew I would fight for my living.
What ranks and titles have you held? Several time BMX national champion & fourth in 1992 in the grand nationals, 2001 member of the TN state hockey team champions, 2002 - 3rd in TN wrestling & 2004 TN State Champion (145lbs)
Do you have any heroes? My parents for all the hard work and sacrifices they've made for me, and my siblings
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’m honored for the opportunity...I feel like I'm here to stay and where I need to be.
What was your job before you started fighting? HVAC sheet metal mechanic
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 4-0 MMA, 9-0 boxing
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Strikeforce veteran, XFC veteran, RFA 135 Champion
Favorite Striking technique: knees
