Who are the best UFC fighters from Louisiana? The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the premier MMA fight league. The best fighters become household names, crushing opponents within the cage by knockout, TKO, and submission. Belts have been won and lost, legendary opponents slain, and new legends born.
Residents of Louisiana may be surprised to find out that the Bayou State has its fair share of notable fighters. Dustin Poirier, Daniel Cormier, Tim Credeur, Alan Jouban, and Matt Schnell are among the best fighters from the state, representing Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, and Shreveport. Let’s look at some of the best guys competing in the UFC now and those who came first.
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History of MMA in Louisiana
Louisiana has an important role for not only the UFC, but in the world of mixed martial arts. During the 1990s, when the UFC was struggling to gain footing in the American sports world, individual states were making life even tougher.
In 1996, Louisiana became one of the very first states to sanction MMA. One of the first UFC events ever was held in front of a nationwide audience in Kenner. Since then, the UFC has held event after event in the state.
In addition to a handful of notable fights, Louisiana has also managed to produce its share of notable fighters as well. Though there are other names worth mentioning, these five men have made their name in fighting in a way that few others have. Rounds with each of these men have resulted in incredible fights, spots in the main event, and even a UFC Lightweight Championship reign.
Notable UFC Fighters from Louisiana
Though there have been a plethora of fights that could be talked about in this space, let’s focus on the most notable fighters to come out of the great state of Louisiana:
| Athlete | Weight Class | Birthplace | W/L | Born |
| Dustin Poirier | Light/Featherweight | Lafayette | 30-9-1 | Jan. 19, 1989 |
| Daniel Cormier | Heavy/Light Heavyweight | Lafayette | 22-3-1 | Mar. 20, 1979 |
| Tim Credeur | Middleweight | Breaux Bridge | 12-4 | Jul. 9, 1977 |
| Alan Jouban | Welterweight | Lafayette | 17-7 | Nov. 25, 1982 |
| Matt Schnell | Fly/Bantamweight | Shreveport | 16-8-1 | Jan.15, 1990 |
Dustin Poirier: The Diamond from Lafayette
It might be a 1A and 1B situation when it comes to comparing Dustin Poirier and Daniel Cormier. Poirier made an early name for himself in World Extreme Cage Fighting before making the leap to the UFC for good.
Though he could submit anyone, he began ripping off fight wins by TKO, even beating the vaunted Conor McGregor twice via TKO to elevate his career to a new level. Though Poirier pulled out of a big fight with Nate Diaz in 2018, he would become a force in the UFC Lightweight division from then on.
In 2019, Poirier defeated Max Holloway to win the Interim UFC Lightweight title, ultimately losing it to undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Numagomedov at UFC 242. Poirier is as dangerous a fighter as there is, routinely winning UFC Fight of the Night honors. He recently lost to Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship but remains one of the top fighters in the division.
UFC 269 Poster
Daniel Cormier: From Wrestling to UFC Champion
Cormier was a world-class wrestler long before making his UFC debut in 2013. He won gold and silver medals in a variety of competitions, creating a reputation for himself that few could challenge. By the time he arrived in the UFC, his name was well known.
When he hit the UFC, he won fights with authority early on. He even defeated legends like Dan Henderson (third-round submission) to set himself up for his biggest fight ever against Jon “Bones” Jones. Though the fight would be delayed until UFC 182, Cormier eventually got his shot but lost via unanimous decision.
Cormier would go on to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship after a third-round submission win over Anthony Johnson (it was meant to be Jones again). Cormier would successfully defend his title until an eventual rematch at UFC 214 with Jones, who defeated Cormier with a third-round head kick. Though he would also win the UFC Heavyweight Championship, the losses to Jones would haunt him until his retirement in 2020.
Daniel Cormier taking a picture with a fan in 2017. (Wikipedia)
Tim Credeur: A Trailblazer in Louisiana MMA
Credeur is one of the trailblazers for MMA fighters from Louisiana. He had fights for ISCF, MMA: Eruption, Renegades Extreme Fighting, and other promotions, earning a reputation for being a balanced fighter thanks to a variety of TKO and armbar victories.
Credeur made his UFC Debut on The Ultimate Fighter 7 and won his first three fights in the UFC. Credeur earned an impressive Fight of the Night honor in a losing effort against Nate Quarry at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard. His final UFC fight came in 2011 in a losing effort to Ed Herman, who finished him via TKO. Credeur quietly retired to focus on coaching in MMA and to spend time with his wife and daughter.
Alan Jouban: The Model Fighter
Jouban has since retired but was as well-rounded a fighter as there was during his tenure. His 17-7 record showed off his impressive knockout power, seeing him finish 11 bouts including a first-round knockout in his UFC debut against Seth Baczynski.
Jouban earned several Fight of the Night accolades and even ripped off an impressive six-fight winning streak early on in his career. In his final fight at UFC 255, Jouban earned a unanimous decision against Jared Gooden. He has since shifted focus to his wife and family.
Matt Schnell: The Rising Star
Schnell started to make a name for himself after he fought in The Ultimate Fighter 24. Schnell won in the first round and advanced to the quarterfinals before he finally lost to Tim Elliott via a bulldog choke in round one.
Schell did well in his early fights, earning a multi-fight contract with the UFC. Schnell struggled, facing weigh-in challenges from opponents, losing back-and-forth fights to Borgerio Bontorin and Brandon Royval, and earning Fight of the Night for his second-round win over Su Mudaerji. Schnell still has the potential to grow in the UFC and has his next shot against Alessandro Costa.
Matt Schnell, right, in action against Su Madaerji during their mixed martial arts bout at UFC on ABC 3, Saturday, July 16, 2022, in Elmont, NY. Schnell won via 2nd round triangle choke. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Impact of Louisiana Fighters on the UFC
Though there are no notable undefeated fighters from Louisiana, that doesn’t mean the state hasn’t had an impact through premier fights. For someone like Poirier, defeating Conor McGregor twice via TKO stoppage is a feat in itself. Cormier winning the belt at the light heavyweight and heavyweight ranks and managing to defend the belt as many times as he did, set a standard like no other.
In order to dispute the claim of Poirier and Cormier at the top of the list, the next great fighter is going to have their work cut out for them. Each win will get them closer, but those two names alone have fought in some of the biggest fights in MMA history.
Training Facilities and Gyms in Louisiana
Before the fights themselves, every aspiring fighter has to train. Each TKO, knockout, and submission is earned by training at gyms and specified facilities throughout the state of Louisiana. Thankfully, there is no shortage of viable places to train and fight in the Bayou State.
Places like the Core UFC Gym offer a place to learn from highly credible coaches in the sport. Fighters of all levels will be challenged to grow, develop a versatile skill set, and find a litany of ways to win each fight. Training includes conditioning, grappling, and striking.
The chance to earn big fights comes through hard work. The best fighters in the world have won and lost their share of fights, but every round is approached with patience, focus, and countless hours of training behind them.
Challenges and Opportunities for Louisiana Fighters
There are inherent challenges when it comes to being a fighter anywhere, not just in Louisiana. Though names like Poirier and Cormier have emerged to have superstar fights, getting the opportunity is more challenging than it looks.
The average MMA career is relatively short, and it is tough to break through in the sport just because of how limited the big-time opportunities are. Coming up through the ranks, carving out a promising future, and making the most of any shot is crucial. There are minor fight leagues that act as a bridge to the UFC and each win could be the biggest. Knocking on the door of the UFC is something that makes a career, so it is critical for aspiring fighters to continue training and striving to be better in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the most successful UFC fighter from Louisiana?
It is hard to argue that one fighter is more successful than Dustin Poirier. He won the interim UFC Lightweight Championship while also earning UFC Fight of the Night a whopping 10 times. His latest came in a loss to UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, a fifth-round submission.
What are the best gyms in Louisiana for MMA training?
Louisiana has a litany of great gyms centered around MMA. Elite Combat Academy, Excalibur Combat Training Center, Excelsior, NOLA MMA, Gladiators Academy of Lafayette, and Mid City MMA are just a few of the notable gyms.
How did Dustin Poirier start his MMA career?
Poirier often got in trouble during his early years, eventually leading him into the octagon to beat on opponents instead. He began in World Extreme Cage Fighting, making his biggest impact in November 2010. At WEC 52, Poirier won by TKO in the first round against Zach Micklewright, leading to his debut in the UFC.
What impact has Daniel Cormier had on the MMA community?
Cormier has since retired from the cage, retiring with a career that is as decorated as anyone. The former undisputed light heavyweight champion left the octagon in 2020 and has since signed a contract with the UFC to be a color commentator. His focus has shifted but he brings a unique perspective to the commentary team despite being one of the more hated former athletes in the fighting world.
Are there any rising stars in the UFC from Louisiana?
Thomas Webb is making noise in the Louisiana fighting scene. He has trained alongside Poirier, giving him an impressive tutor to learn from. The first time he fights in the UFC will be truly special, win or lose. Each lightweight bout he is in feels like a big fight. So long as he avoids injuries, he could become a force in the division before long.
Conclusion
When it comes to truly great fight states, it is hard to beat Louisiana. When guys like Poirier and Cormier put on the gloves, the opponent is in trouble (just ask Jim Miller, Conor McGregor, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and others).
There are more fighters coming down the pike, some of whom will earn a contract with the UFC. Louisiana has cranked out some special fights and there is no telling which fighter will emerge to challenge the impressive record that Poirier has accumulated throughout his career. Who will be the next fight king or queen to step up and dominate their division as the undisputed best?
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