# Chris Curtis (fighter)

Christopher Alan Curtis (born July 15, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and former boxer. He currently competes in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2009, he has also competed for the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

## Early life

Curtis was born and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has a sister and a brother. Despite aspirations of becoming a lawyer, he dropped out of school in pursuit of a career in mixed martial arts.

## Mixed martial arts career
### Early career

Curtis amassed a record of 18–5 in the North American regional circuit while capturing Welterweight Championships in CES MMA, Z Promotions and Premier MMA Championship.

### Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series and first retirement

Curtis was then invited to face Sean Lally at Dana White's Contender Series 9 on June 12, 2018. He won the fight via third-round knockout but retired after he was not awarded a UFC contract.
Curtis would however return to fight for the vacant Z Promotions Middleweight title against Matt Dwyer on January 21, 2019, winning the bout via majority decision.

### Professional Fighters League

On April 1, 2019, it was revealed that Curtis would be participating PFL 2019 season in the welterweight division. He was initially set to face PFL Season 2018 Middleweight Champion Louis Taylor at PFL 1 on May 9, 2019. However, Taylor was not able to get medically cleared and had to withdraw from the season, subsequently being replaced by André Fialho. Curtis won the bout via third-round knockout.
In the second regular season bout Curtis faced PFL Season 2018 Welterweight Champion Magomed Magomedkerimov at PFL 4 on July 11, 2019. He lost the fight via unanimous decision but advanced to the playoffs.

#### Playoffs, second and third retirement

In the quarterfinals Curtis faced Magomedkerimov in a rematch at PFL 7 on October 11, 2019. Again he lost the bout via unanimous decision, was eliminated from the season and retired from the sport.
However, after their bout Magomedkerimov fell ill and Curtis ended his retirement by stepping in to replace Magomedkerimov against Ray Cooper III in a semifinal bout. He lost the fight via second-round knockout and retired from the sport once again.

### Return from retirement and other organizations

Curtis would, however, quickly return from retirement to defend his Z Promotions title in January 2020, defeating Darren Smith Jr. via corner stoppage at the end of the fourth.
On April 14, 2020, it was announced that Curtis had come out of retirement and signed a multi-fight contract with ARES FC. He was scheduled to make his promotional debut against Nassourdine Imavov at ARES FC 2 on April 3, 2020. However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to take place on October 30, 2020, before being cancelled altogether.
Curtis was scheduled to face Austin Vanderford on November 5, 2020, at Bellator 251. However, Curtis had to pull out of the bout due to a positive COVID test and was replaced by Vinicius de Jesus.
Curtis faced Kyle Stewart on January 30, 2021, at XMMA 1. He won the bout via TKO in the third round.
After winning the next two bouts against Juan Ramon Grano Medina at iKon Fighting Federation 6 via first round TKO and Jarome Hatch at Fierce FC 15 via TKO stoppage in the third, Curtis faced Kenny Robertson on July 30, 2021, at XMMA 2. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

### Ultimate Fighting Championship

Curtis was briefly expected to replace Deron Winn against Phil Hawes on day's notice at UFC on ESPN 26 on October 9, 2021, but Hawes ultimately declined the bout. Nevertheless, the bout was later rebooked to take place at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021. Curtis won the fight via first-round knockout.
Replacing Roman Dolidze on short notice, Curtis faced Brendan Allen on December 4, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Font vs. Aldo. He won the fight via technical knockout in round two. The win earned him a Performance of the Night bonus award.
Curtis was then expected to face Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 273 on April 9, 2022. However, Curtis withdrew from the bout due to a wrist injury and was replaced by Anthony Hernandez.
Curtis then faced Rodolfo Vieira at UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot on June 25, 2022. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Curtis faced Jack Hermansson on July 23, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 208, replacing the injured Darren Till. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Curtis faced Joaquin Buckley on December 10, 2022, at UFC 282. He won the fight via technical knockout in round two. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.
Curtis faced Kelvin Gastelum on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Curtis faced Nassourdine Imavov on June 10, 2023, at UFC 289. The bout ended in a no contest in the second round after an accidental clash of heads left Curtis unable to continue due to a severe cut above his eye.
Curtis was scheduled to face Anthony Hernandez at UFC Fight Night 227 on September 16, 2023. However, Curtis withdrew due to a rib injury and was replaced by Roman Kopylov.
Curtis faced Marc-André Barriault on January 20, 2024, at UFC 297. He won in a competitive bout by split decision.
Replacing Marvin Vettori, Curtis faced Brendan Allen in a rematch on April 6, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 240. Curtis lost the fight by split decision.
Curtis was scheduled to face Kevin Holland on October 5, 2024 at UFC 307. However, Curtis withdrew from the fight due to a foot fracture and was replaced by Roman Dolidze.
Curtis faced Roman Kopylov on January 11, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 249. In a competitive bout, he lost the fight by a head kick knockout with one second left in the third round. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.

## Personal life

Curtis has a son (born 2007) from a previous relationship. Curtis and his current spouse are expecting their first mutual child, due in October 2023.

## Championships and achievements

* Ultimate Fighting Championship
** Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Brendan Allen 1 and Joaquin Buckley
** Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Kelvin Gastelum and Roman Kopylov
** UFC.com Awards
*** 2021: Ranked #4 Newcomer of the Year
* CES MMA
** CES MMA Welterweight Championship (one time; former)
*** Two successful title defenses
* Z Promotions
** Z Promotions Welterweight Championship (one time; former)
*** One successful title defense
** Z Promotions Middleweight Championship (one time; former)
* Premier MMA Championship
** PMMAC Welterweight Championship (one time; former)
* MMAjunkie.com
** 2021 Comeback Fighter of the Year

## Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown :
| 44 matches | 31 wins | 12 losses |
| By knockout | 17 | 2 |
| By submission | 1 | 1 |
| By decision | 13 | 9 |
| No contests | 1 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
| Loss | 31–12 (1) | Roman Kopylov | TKO (head kick) | UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 | January 11, 2025 | 3 | 4:59 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 31–11 (1) | Brendan Allen | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis 2 | April 6, 2024 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 31–10 (1) | Marc-André Barriault | Decision (split) | UFC 297 | January 20, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |
| NC | 30–10 (1) | Nassourdine Imavov | NC (accidental clash of heads) | UFC 289 | June 10, 2023 | 2 | 3:04 | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Accidental clash of heads rendered Curtis unable to continue. |
| Loss | 30–10 | Kelvin Gastelum | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 287 | April 8, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | Miami, Florida, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 30–9 | Joaquin Buckley | KO (punches) | UFC 282 | December 10, 2022 | 2 | 2:49 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 29–9 | Jack Hermansson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall | July 23, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | London, England | |
| Win | 29–8 | Rodolfo Vieira | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot | June 25, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 28–8 | Brendan Allen | TKO (punches and knees) | UFC on ESPN: Font vs. Aldo | December 4, 2021 | 2 | 1:58 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 27–8 | Phil Hawes | KO (punches) | UFC 268 | November 6, 2021 | 1 | 4:27 | New York City, New York, United States | Return to Middleweight. |
| Win | 26–8 | Kenny Robertson | Decision (unanimous) | XMMA 2 | July 30, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Greenville, South Carolina, United States | Welterweight bout. |
| Win | 25–8 | Jarome Hatch | TKO (punches) | Fierce FC 15 | May 14, 2021 | 3 | 1:30 | West Valley City, Utah, United States | Light Heavyweight debut. |
| Win | 24–8 | Juan Ramon Grano Medina | TKO (punches) | iKon Fighting Federation 6 | April 2, 2021 | 1 | 4:13 | Sinaloa, Mexico | |
| Win | 23–8 | Kyle Stewart | TKO (punches) | XMMA 1 | January 30, 2021 | 3 | 1:41 | West Palm Beach, Florida, United States | Return to Middleweight. |
| Win | 22–8 | Darren Smith Jr. | TKO (corner stoppage) | Z Promotions Fight Night 12 | January 25, 2020 | 4 | 5:00 | Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada | Defended the Z Promotions Welterweight Championship. |
| Loss | 21–8 | Ray Cooper III | KO (punch) | PFL 7 (2019) | October 11, 2019 | 2 | 0:11 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | 2019 PFL Welterweight Tournament Semifinal. |
| Loss | 21–7 | Magomed Magomedkerimov | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 7 (2019) | October 11, 2019 | 2 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | 2019 PFL Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal. |
| Loss | 21–6 | Magomed Magomedkerimov | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 4 (2019) | July 11, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 21–5 | André Fialho | TKO (punches) | PFL 1 (2019) | May 9, 2019 | 3 | 4:17 | Uniondale, New York, United States | |
| Win | 20–5 | Matt Dwyer | Decision (majority) | Z Promotions Fight Night 9 | January 25, 2019 | 5 | 5:00 | Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada | Won the vacant Z Promotions Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 19–5 | Sean Lally | TKO (hook kick and punches) | Dana White's Contender Series 9 | June 12, 2018 | 3 | 1:37 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 18–5 | Jason Norwood | Decision (unanimous) | CES MMA 49 | April 6, 2018 | 5 | 5:00 | Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States | Defended the CES MMA Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 17–5 | Peter Grajcar | Decision (unanimous) | Z Promotions Fight Night 5 | September 9, 2017 | 5 | 5:00 | Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada | Won the Z Promotions Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 16–5 | Portland Pringle III | TKO (punches) | Premier MMA Championship 3 | May 27, 2017 | 4 | 4:22 | Covington, Kentucky, United States | Won the vacant PMMAC Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 15–5 | Will Santiago Jr. | TKO (knees and punches) | CES MMA 42 | March 31, 2017 | 2 | 1:08 | Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States | Defended the CES MMA Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 14–5 | Leo Bercier | Decision (unanimous) | Final Fight Championship 24 | June 3, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Daytona Beach, Florida, United States | Catchweight (190 lb) bout. |
| Loss | 13–5 | Nah-Shon Burrell | Decision (unanimous) | CES MMA 34 | April 1, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States | Non-title bout; Burrell missed weight (176 lb). |
| Win | 13–4 | Gil de Freitas | TKO (submission to punches) | CES MMA 32 | January 8, 2016 | 1 | 3:13 | Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States | Won the CES MMA Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 12–4 | Amaechi Oselukwue | Decision (unanimous) | Absolute Action MMA 44 | October 24, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Highland Heights, Kentucky, United States | Catchweight (180 lb) bout. |
| Win | 11–4 | Tyson Triplett | TKO (submission to punches) | Absolute Action MMA 42 | April 24, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Highland Heights, Kentucky, United States | Middleweight bout. |
| Loss | 10–4 | Belal Muhammad | Decision (unanimous) | Hoosier Fight Club 21 | September 13, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Valparaiso, Indiana, United States | Welterweight debut. |
| Win | 10–3 | Tiawan Howard | Submission (armbar) | Coveted FC 3 | June 21, 2014 | 2 | 2:37 | Mentor, Ohio, United States | Catchweight (180 lb) bout. |
| Win | 9–3 | Rex Harris | Decision (split) | PA Cage Fight 18 | May 24, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Kingston, Pennsylvania, United States | |
| Win | 8–3 | Ron Keslar | Decision (unanimous) | MMA Xtreme: Fists Will Fly | August 24, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Loss | 7–3 | Forrest Petz | Decision (unanimous) | NAAFS: Fight Night in the Flats 9 | June 1, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Cleveland, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 7–2 | Andrew Trace | Decision (unanimous) | Turf Wars Extreme Fighting: Heavy Hitters | October 8, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Florence, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 6–2 | Micah Bender | TKO (punches) | Rocktagon MMA: Elite Series 6 | July 30, 2011 | 2 | 0:22 | North Olmsted, Ohio, United States | |
| Loss | 5–2 | Tom Gallichio | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Xtreme Caged Combat: Reckless Abandon | May 20, 2011 | 3 | 2:08 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Erick Jordan | KO (knee) | Spartan FC 6 | December 10, 2010 | 2 | 2:21 | Ashland, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Rob Nickerson III | KO (knee) | Absolute Action MMA 6 | October 16, 2010 | 1 | 0:43 | Florence, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | Kevin Powers | TKO (punches) | Universal Cage Combat: Lights, Camera, Maximum Action | October 8, 2010 | 1 | 1:33 | Lawrenceburg, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Nah-Shon Burrell | Decision (unanimous) | Xtreme Caged Combat: Hostile Intent | October 1, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Feasterville, Pennsylvania, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | Ian Rammel | Decision (unanimous) | International Combat Events 46 | May 1, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Forest Park, Ohio, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Brandon Pinkston | Decision (split) | Revolution Fight League: Maximum Impact | June 27, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Middleweight debut. |

## Professional boxing record

| 2 fights | 2 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Marcus Maulding | TKO | 2 (4), 1:35 | 30 December 2016 | B.O.O.M Fitness Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, US | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Michael Davis | UD | 4 | 29 January 2016 | Highland Heights, Kentucky, US | |