Chris Lytle: The Legacy He Leaves Behind

by: Monta Wiley

A career that goes back to the late 90’s, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Chris “Lights Out” Lytle is a true pioneer of the sport of MMA. A fierce fighter that wanted nothing better than to put on a great show for the fans when stepping into the octagon, Chris is well known for his never say die attitude and his superb act of sportsmanship toward his opponents.

“I want to be remembered as someone who if I was on the fight card the fans knew were going to get one fantastic fight,” Lytle said.

While maintaining a full time job as a firefighter and being a father of four, Chris perused a MMA career in 1998. He began his career fighting in small MMA promotional events in the Midwest and Japan working his way up the ladder. As time progressed through hard work and dedication Chris was able to obtain many championships over the years in various organizations such as Hook & Shoot and the Absolute Fighting Championship. However it wasn’t until his arrival in the UFC in 2000, where his career would blossom gaining him nationwide exposure while capturing the hearts of many fans that saw him perform.

“I have a very rigid training schedule, I was on the fire department, I have four kids, while training full time for a fight,that was basically my life. Through it all I learned that if you really want to do something you will find time to do what you want.”

Like any fighter in the sport, Chris has dealt with his share of difficult times in his career, however it was his love for the sport and ability to reinvent himself over the years that allowed him not only to mature as a fighter but also as a person. Who will ever forget some of his memorable battles over the years such as his victory over former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Serra or his epic encounter with Ruthless Robbie Lawler at UFC 45.

It is memories like those that not only that won Chris over with fans but also solidifies the heart of a true champion in victory and defeat. Possibly taking his last walk to the octagon at UFC versus 5 on August 14 of 2011, after a successful submission victory over Dan Hardy, the Indiana native announced his retirement from MMA to focus on building a stronger relationship with his family.

“After my fight in Australia I had knee surgery and I took some time off. During that time I got a chance to spend some time with my family, doing things with my kids that I never got a chance to do before like go to their games and events,” Chris explained. “Then once I started training for my fight with Dan hardy I realized really quickly I didn’t want to be at the gym not because I didn’t want to fight but because I was missing my family. I felt wasn’t being a good father it bothered me a lot, So I figured it was time for me to grow up and stop thinking about myself and put my family about myself.”

Although there is always a possibility for a return, one thing is for certain. The blood, sweat, and tears that Chris gave to the sport of MMA will never be forgotten and that LIGHT will never go out in the hearts of many.