Devin Clark (fighter) facts for kids

Devin Clark, born on April 12, 1990, is an American professional mixed martial artist. He used to compete in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Devin started his professional career in 2013. He joined the UFC after Dana White, a top UFC official, saw him on a special web series called "Dana White: Looking for a Fight."

Early Life and Sports

Devin Clark was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1990. He began boxing when he was a child. At age seven, he started wrestling and continued this sport through high school.

High School and College Wrestling

Devin became a strong wrestler in high school. In his junior year, he reached the state finals. The next year, as a senior, he became the South Dakota State Champion in his weight class.

After high school, Devin went to Rochester Community and Technical College. There, he became an NJCAA All-American twice. He won the National Championship in 2009 and placed fourth in 2010.

Starting Mixed Martial Arts

Even though he left college, Devin still wanted to compete. He started training in MMA at a local gym called Team Nak Suk. Later, he moved to Next Edge Academy, where he trained under Bruce Hoyer. Devin quickly improved and began competing in professional MMA fights.

Professional MMA Career

Devin Clark started his professional MMA career on August 24, 2013. His first fight was at an event called Knockout Events: Battle at the Chip. He won this fight by TKO (punches) in the first round.

Early Fights and Championships

A year later, Devin joined Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA). He won his first RFA fight in August 2014. In February 2015, he won another fight by submission. He continued to win fights in the RFA, often by unanimous decision.

On April 15, 2016, important UFC figures like Dana White watched Devin fight. This was part of a UFC web series. Devin faced Rafael Viana for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Devin won the fight when Viana had to stop due to a hand injury. Because of his impressive 6-0 record, Dana White signed Devin to the UFC.

Competing in the UFC

Devin Clark made his UFC debut on July 13, 2016. He fought Alex Nicholson in a Middleweight bout. Devin lost this fight by knockout in the first round.

After this, Devin moved back to the Light Heavyweight division. He won his next two fights by unanimous decision. These wins showed his skill and determination.

Devin faced some tough opponents in the UFC. He had wins against fighters like Mike Rodríguez, Darko Stošić, Dequan Townsend, and Alonzo Menifield. These wins often came after three rounds, showing his endurance.

In November 2020, Devin fought Anthony Smith in a main event. He lost this fight by submission in the first round. He continued to face strong competitors.

In April 2022, Devin moved up to the Heavyweight division. He won his debut in this new weight class by technical knockout. He later returned to Light Heavyweight.

Devin's last fight in the UFC was on February 10, 2024. He lost this fight by unanimous decision. A few days later, on February 14, 2024, it was announced that Devin was no longer part of the UFC roster.

After the UFC

After leaving the UFC, Devin was scheduled to fight Thiago Santos in the Global Fight League (GFL). However, all GFL events were later canceled.

Achievements

Devin Clark has achieved success in his mixed martial arts career.

Mixed Martial Arts Titles

• Resurrection Fighting Alliance
  • RFA Light Heavyweight Champion (one time)

Personal Life

Devin Clark is known by the nickname "Brown Bear." His friends gave him this name in high school. It describes his strong wrestling style and his kind personality outside of fighting.

Devin is very active in his community. He helps many non-profit groups. He is especially involved in supporting people with Down syndrome. He was even appointed to the National Board of Garrett's Fight, an organization that helps those with Down syndrome. Devin and his wife have a daughter.

Mixed Martial Arts Record

See also

In Spanish: Devin Clark para niños

• List of male mixed martial artists