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Matt Serra Profile |
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Birth Date: June 2, 1974
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Birth Place: East Meadow, New York, USA
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Birth Name: Matthew John Serra
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Height:
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Biography |
Matthew John Serra (born June 2, 1974 in East Meadow, New
York) is a United States based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
practitioner and mixed martial artist, known for winning
several martial arts championships. He is the current UFC
Welterweight Champion, after an upset victory over Georges
St. Pierre at UFC 69 in 2007. He began practicing martia
arts at an early age, first studying kung fu. In the 1990s,
he began studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie and
on May 23, 2000 was awarded his black belt, the first
American to do so under Renzo Gracie.
As a purple belt, Serra won first place at the Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu Pan American games in 1999. Serra won third place
at the 1999 World Championships in Brazil as a brown belt.
Continuing his Martial Arts career, he competed in the ADCC
Submission Wrestling World Championship.
Matt Serra runs two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms with his
younger brother Nick Serra located in East Meadow, New York
and Huntington, New York.
With Ray Longo, Matt trains fighters, including Pete Sell,
Joe Scarola and Luke Cummo. They fight under the Serra/Longo
Competition Team.
Matt was a participant in The Ultimate Fighter 4: The
Comeback on SpikeTV. On the show, Serra defeated Pete Spratt
and Shonie Carter to reach the finals. On November 11, 2006,
Serra won a bout with Chris Lytle to become the Ultimate
Fighter 4 Welterweight Tournament Champion. Serra won via a
split decision victory. His win earned him a guaranteed
title shot against Georges St. Pierre for the UFC
Welterweight Championship, as well as a $100,000 contract
and $100,000 sponsorship with Xyience.
Serra was scheduled to challenge St. Pierre on February 3,
2007 at UFC 67, but a knee injury caused St. Pierre, the
reigning champion, to withdraw. On April 7, 2007, Serra
defeated St. Pierre via TKO at 3:25 of the first round to
earn the UFC Welterweight championship. Prior to the fight,
Serra was considered a substantial underdog.
Serra will be coaching season 6 of The Ultimate Fighter
reality show with Matt Hughes.
Matt and his fiance, Ann, are both residents of East Meadow,
New York. |
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