Aaron Riley
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Aaron Riley
| other_names =
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|12|09}}
| birth_place = Tell City, Indiana, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| nationality =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}
| weight = {{convert|155|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = Lightweight
Welterweight
| reach_in = 69
| style = Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Taekwondo
| stance = Southpaw
| fighting_out_of = Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
| team = Jackson's Submission Fighting
American Top Team (formerly){{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/201927 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-07-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220002743/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/201927 |archivedate=2013-12-20 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/aaron-riley|title=Aaron Riley|date=14 September 2018}}
| rank =
| years_active = 1997–2013
| mma_kowin = 6
| mma_subwin = 13
| mma_decwin = 11
| mma_koloss = 7
| mma_subloss = 2
| mma_decloss = 5
| mma_draw = 1
| mma_nc =
| url =
| sherdog = 1567
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Aaron Riley (born December 9, 1980) is a retired American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor from 1997 to 2013, he has also formerly competed in PRIDE, the IFL, Shooto, and BodogFIGHT. Aside from mixed martial arts, Riley has also competed in boxing (becoming a Golden Gloves champion) and wrestling.
Background
Riley was born and raised in Tell City, Indiana. Growing up, he watched the UFC since its first event in 1993, and fell in love with the sport of mixed martial arts. Riley competed in boxing, winning a Golden Gloves Championship, and also competed in wrestling for three years at Tell City High School.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/201927 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-07-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220002743/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/201927 |archivedate=2013-12-20 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/aaron-riley|title=Aaron Riley|date=14 September 2018}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Riley made his professional debut in 1997 at the age of 16 for the HOOKnSHOOT organization. He received his first career loss in his second fight via kneebar, and then won ten consecutive fights. Riley then lost two consecutive fights against future UFC veterans Yves Edwards and Falaniko Vitale.
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
Riley made his UFC debut against future EliteXC Middleweight Champion and UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 37. Riley lost the fight via unanimous decision. Four years later, he fought again for the organization against Spencer Fisher at UFC Fight Night 3, and lost via TKO.
=Pride Fighting Championships, BodogFIGHT, and the IFL=
Riley made his PRIDE debut at PRIDE Bushido 7 against Michihiro Omigawa, who was making his mixed martial arts debut. Riley was successful in his first and only fight with the Japanese organization, winning via head kick knockout in the first round.
Riley then participated in two bouts for the BodogFIGHT organization. His first fight was in Costa Rica, which he won via armbar and then fought against future Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez, but lost via knockout.
In Riley's next fight, he debuted in the International Fight League against Ryan Schultz, who was the last IFL Lightweight Champion. Riley lost the fight via unanimous decision.
=Return to the UFC=
Riley returned to the UFC on November 15, 2008 at UFC 91 against Jorge Gurgel. Aaron beat Gurgel by unanimous decision, winning a $60,000 Fight of the Night honor award.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2008/11/ufc-90-bonuses-riley-gurgel-stephens-and-hazelett-each-earn-60k|title=UFC 91 bonuses: Riley, Gurgel, Stephens and Hazelett each earn $60K|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2008-11-16|access-date=2025-03-14}}
Riley next faced TUF 8 cast member Shane Nelson at UFC 96, losing via controversial first round TKO.
A rematch with Nelson was scheduled immediately, for UFC 101, which Riley won via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
At UFC 105 he was defeated by TUF winner Ross Pearson via TKO in the second round after a flying knee by Pearson opened up several cuts on Riley's face. Doctors viewed the cuts on Riley's face, and came to the conclusion that he was unable to continue.
Riley then rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Joe Brammer on May 29, 2010 at UFC 114.
Riley was expected to face UFC newcomer Pat Audinwood on September 25, 2010 at UFC 119, but Riley was forced from the card with an injury and replaced by Thiago Tavares.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20326/aaron-riley-out-thiago-tavares-in-against-pat-audinwood-at-ufc-119.mma|title=Aaron Riley out, Thiago Tavares in against Pat Audinwood at UFC 119|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=August 17, 2010|access-date=August 18, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711191212/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20326/aaron-riley-out-thiago-tavares-in-against-pat-audinwood-at-ufc-119.mma|archive-date=July 11, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
Riley was defeated by Tony Ferguson on September 24, 2011 at UFC 135. While the fight was competitive early, Ferguson landed a strong left uppercut, and Ferguson dominated the remaining two minutes of the round. Immediately after the end of the first round, Riley told his corner that his jaw was broken. The fight was declared a TKO victory for Ferguson, as ringside doctors would not allow Riley to continue.{{cite web|last=Stupp |first=Dann |title=UFC 135 preliminary-card results: Ferguson breaks Riley's jaw, Boetsch cruises |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25389/ufc-135-preliminary-card-results-ferguson-breaks-rileys-jaw-boetsch-cruises.mma |work=MMAJunkie.com |accessdate=25 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926062706/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25389/ufc-135-preliminary-card-results-ferguson-breaks-rileys-jaw-boetsch-cruises.mma |archivedate=26 September 2011 }} Riley had previously suffered a broken jaw when he fought Spencer Fisher at UFC Fight Night 3.{{cite web|title=TITLE SHOT AND BODOG A FIT FOR AARON RILEY|url=http://mmaweekly.com/title-shot-and-bodog-a-fit-for-aaron-riley-2|work=mmaweekly.com|date=30 November 2006 |accessdate=25 September 2011}}
Riley was expected to face Cody McKenzie on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier.{{cite web|title=Aaron Riley vs. Cody McKenzie On Tap For UFC on FUEL TV 3|url=http://www.themmanews.com/aaron-riley-vs-cody-mckenzie-on-tap-for-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204072010/http://www.themmanews.com/aaron-riley-vs-cody-mckenzie-on-tap-for-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2013|work=themmanews.com|accessdate=February 12, 2012}} However, Riley was pulled from the event and replaced by promotional newcomer Marcus LeVesseur.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28407/marcus-levesseur-replaces-aaron-riley-meets-cody-mckenzie-at-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3.mma |title=Marcus LeVesseur replaces Aaron Riley, meets Cody McKenzie at UFC on FUEL TV 3 |work=MMAjunkie.com |date=April 24, 2012 |accessdate=April 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426232124/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28407/marcus-levesseur-replaces-aaron-riley-meets-cody-mckenzie-at-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3.mma |archivedate=April 26, 2012 }}
After nearly two years away from the sport, Riley returned to face Justin Salas on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/aaron-riley-vs-justin-salas-added-to-julys-ufc-on-fox-8-event |title=Aaron Riley vs. Justin Salas added to July's UFC on FOX 8 event |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |date=April 30, 2013 |accessdate=April 30, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503034241/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/aaron-riley-vs-justin-salas-added-to-julys-ufc-on-fox-8-event |archivedate=May 3, 2013 }} He lost the back-and-forth fight by split decision. He retired from MMA following his loss to Salas.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/nine-time-ufc-veteran-aaron-riley-retires-following-ufc-on-fox-8-loss|title=Nine-time UFC veteran Aaron Riley retires following UFC on FOX 8 loss|author=MMAjunkie.com Staff|date=July 28, 2013|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Jorge Gurgel
- UFC Encyclopedia Awards
- Fight of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Robbie Lawler}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 194|isbn=978-0756683610}}
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
| draws= 1
| nc=
| ko-wins= 10
| ko-losses= 7
| sub-wins= 9
| sub-losses= 2
| dec-wins= 11
| dec-losses= 5
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 30–14–1
| Decision (split)
| UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga
| {{dts|2013|July|27}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Seattle, Washington, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 30–13–1
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| UFC 135
| {{dts|2011|September|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:00
| Denver, Colorado, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 30–12–1
| Joe Brammer
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 114
| {{dts|2010|May|29}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 29–12–1
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| UFC 105
| {{dts|2009|November|14}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:34
| Manchester, England
|
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 29–11–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 101
| {{dts|2009|August|8}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 28–11–1
| TKO (punches)
| UFC 96
| {{dts|2009|March|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:44
| Columbus, Ohio, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 28–10–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 91
| {{dts|2008|November|15}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|Fight of the Night}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 27–10–1
| Steve Claveau
| Decision (unanimous)
| Xtreme MMA 5
| {{dts|2008|September|13}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 26–10–1
| Thiago Meller
| Decision (unanimous)
| UWC: Invasion
| {{dts|2008|April|26}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Fairfax, Virginia, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| {{nowrap|25–10–1}}
| Decision (unanimous)
| IFL: 2007 Team Championship Final
| {{dts|2007|September|20}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:00
| Hollywood, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 25–9–1
| KO (punches)
| BodogFIGHT: USA vs Russia
| {{dts|2006|December|2}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:05
| Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| {{small|For BodogFIGHT Welterweight Championship}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 25–8–1
| Darrell Smith
| Submission (armbar)
| BodogFIGHT: To the Brink of War
| {{dts|2006|August|22}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:40
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 25–8–1
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| {{dts|2006|January|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 24–7–1
| KO (head kick)
| {{dts|2005|May|22}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 6:00
| Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 23–7–1
| Andrew Chappelle
| Decision
| HOOKnSHOOT: Arnold Classic
| {{dts|2005|March|4}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Columbus, Ohio, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 22–7–1
| Maicon Alarcao
| TKO (injury)
| AFC: Brazil 1
| {{dts|2004|August|28}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:10
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 21–7–1
| Nuri Shakir
| Decision (unanimous)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Live
| {{dts|2004|March|27}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 20–7–1
| Submission (armbar)
| Shooto USA – Warrior Spirit: Evolution
| {{dts|2003|November|14}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:41
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 20–6–1
| Cedric Marks
| Submission (armbar)
| Combate Extremo
| {{dts|2003|August|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:40
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 19–6–1
| Nick Gilardi
| TKO (submission to punches)
| PPKA: Ultimate Fight Night
| {{dts|2003|June|28}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:49
| Yakima, Washington, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 18–6–1
| KO (punch)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Boot Camp 1.1
| {{dts|2003|March|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:31
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–5–1
| Alexandre Barros
| Decision (unanimous)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Absolute Fighting Championships 1
| {{dts|2002|December|13}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 17–5–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 37
| {{dts|2002|May|10}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Bossier City, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 17–4–1
| Mike Willus
| TKO (strikes)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Kings 1
| {{dts|2001|November|17}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| N/A
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 16–4–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Showdown
| {{dts|2001|July|14}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–3–1
| Earl Thompson
| Submission (armbar)
| UFCF: War 2001
| {{dts|2001|April|21}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:08
| Kirkland, Washington, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–3–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Triumph
| {{dts|2000|August|19}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–3–1
| Aaron Stregles
| KO (punches)
| Talon Challenge 2
| {{dts|2000|July|14}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| N/A
| Harlingen, Texas, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–3–1
| Jeremy Bennett
| KO (punches)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Double Fury 1
| {{dts|2000|March|17}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| N/A
| United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–3–1
| Colin O'Rourke
| Decision (majority)
| WEF 8: Goin' Platinum
| {{dts|2000|January|15}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:00
| Rome, Georgia, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–3–1
| TKO (punches)
| RITC 2: Marching of the Warriors
| {{dts|1999|October|15}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 7:06
| Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–2–1
| Decision
| HOOKnSHOOT: Texas Heat
| {{dts|1999|October|2}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 20:00
| Texas, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–1–1
| Joe Merit
| Submission (armbar)
| Lionheart Invitational
| {{dts|1999|September|1}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:24
| Georgia, United States
|
|-
| {{draw}}Draw
| align=center| 10–1–1
| CJ Fernandes
| Draw
| Submission Fighting Championships 8
| {{dts|1999|August|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 15:00
| Belleville, Illinois, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–1
| Billy Johnson
| TKO (submission to punches)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Breakout
| {{dts|1999|July|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:10
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–1
| Rob Tallack
| TKO (punches)
| Kakidamisi 1: Samurai Challenge
| {{dts|1999|July|11}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:52
| United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–1
| Tony Apponte
| TKO (submission to punches)
| Extreme Shootout
| {{dts|1999|June|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 7:31
| McAllen, Texas, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–1
| James Julian
| Submission (armbar)
| Submission Fighting Championships 6
| {{dts|1999|April|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| N/A
| O'Fallon, Illinois, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–1
| Shane Garrett
| Decision (unanimous)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Horizon
| {{dts|1999|March|20}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 20:00
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–1
| Phil Stroffolino
| TKO (submission to punches)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Eruption
| {{dts|1998|November|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:27
| Evansville, Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–1
| Brian Boclair
| Submission (armbar)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Quest
| {{dts|1998|August|14}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:35
| United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–1
| Chris Mounce
| Submission (keylock)
| HOOKnSHOOT: N-Vision
| {{dts|1998|June|12}}
| align=center| N/A
| align=center| N/A
| United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–1
| Billy Johnson
| Submission (armbar)
| HOOKnSHOOT: Elite
| {{dts|1997|September|20}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:08
| Indiana, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–1
| Mario Roberto
| Submission (kneebar)
| HOOKnSHOOT: When Worlds Collide
| {{dts|1997|July|18}}
| align=center| N/A
| align=center| N/A
| United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Chris Malgieri
| Submission (heel hook)
| HOOKnSHOOT: When Worlds Collide
| {{dts|1997|July|18}}
| align=center| N/A
| align=center| N/A
| United States
|
{{end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/aaron-riley Official UFC Profile]
- {{Sherdog}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20110713100144/http://www.jeffgordonmma.com/jeffgordonmma/page.asp?ID=35 Instructor Profile at Jeff Gordon's Mixed Martial Arts Academy]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Riley, Aaron}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:People from Tell City, Indiana
Category:Welterweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists from Indiana
Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling