Ricky Simon


Ricky Simon is an American mixed martial artist. He was the former Legacy Fighting Alliance Bantamweight Champion and currently competing in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Simon was born in Vancouver, Washington. Coming from a tight-knit family, his three brothers, Carlos Simón, Brandon Simón, Avi Simón and Simón have the same tattoo "Simón" inked across their upper back. Simón also grew up with his close first cousin and fellow UFC athlete Vince Morales. Simón started training in wrestling at nine years old. He graduated from Union High School in 2010, and after his plan to be a collegiate wrestler did not materialize, he transitioned to mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Simon amassed an amateur record of 3-0 before turning professional in 2014. After compiling a professional record of 12-1, fighting for Main Event Sports, King of the Cage, Titan Fighting Championship and he was the formal Legacy Fighting Alliance Bantamweight Champion prior joining the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC debut, Simon faced Merab Dvalishvili on April 21, 2018, at in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In the final round, Simón mounted Dvalshvili with a guillotine choke, while Dvalishvili kick his way to the end of the bell. Referee, Liam Kerriga, awarded the win to Simón citing Dvalshivili was thought to have been passed out by the ref who eventually stopped the fight. Dvalishvilli's manager Matthew Culley filed a request to the commission to review the referee decision and the appeal was denied. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Simon was scheduled to face Benito Lopez at UFC 227 on August 4, 2018. However, it was reported that Lopez pulled out from the bout for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Montel Jackson. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Simon was expected to face Ricardo Ramos on November 10, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 139. However, it was reported on October 16, 2018 that Ramos was pulled from the bout due to hand injury and in turn, Simon was removed from the card as well.
Simon faced Rani Yahya on February 10, 2019 at UFC 234. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Simon faced Urijah Faber on July 13, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 155. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round one.
Simon faced Rob Font at on December 7, 2019. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
As the first fight of his new, four-fight contract, Simon faced Ray Borg on May 13, 2020 at. He won the fight via split decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Simon is a middle school wrestling coach.

Mixed martial arts record