Chris Lytle can best be described as a hard-working mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who brought it every time, fight after fight, round after round.
Though he never reached ‘championship' status with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) organization throughout his 12-year on-and-off tenure, he did, however, entertain fans worldwide with his exciting push-the-pace style that never disappointed and left many clamoring for more.
Not one to shy away from taking risks inside the Octagon, the former welterweight would often times throw caution to the wind, preferring to let his fists fly and letting them land where they may in a fighting style one can label as 'controlled chaos.'
His 2007 bout with Thiago Alves at UFC 78 was a perfect example.
The two stood toe-to-toe, exchanging heavy leather until a cut above Lytle's eyes forced the doctor to put a halt to the action. Though the fight was stopped and only lasted two rounds, it was still good enough to best the rest of the card's action and win "Fight of the Night" honors.
As with anything in life, with great risk comes great reward.
Lytle, for one, can attest to that by earning 10 "Fight Night" bonuses throughout his time with the UFC including: six "Fight of the Night," one "Knockout of the Night" and three "Submission of the Night" bonuses totaling up to $435,000 in extra coin.
In a conversation with UFC.com, Chris reflects on how all of his hard work inside the Octagon and the generosity of the ZUFFA higher ups has helped he and his family receive a financial freedom few get to enjoy:
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"I'm just trying to set up for our future. And the bonuses have meant a certain level of freedom, of not having to worry about different things. I don't have to worry about how [my family] is going to get by or pay for this or go there. I have been able to make a few different investments, I have a few properties now and a business that I'm involved with. It is amazing the amount of freedom that they have given me. I have always felt a sense of loyalty and duty and responsibility to the UFC because of this. They've given me the opportunity to do this. I've always taken a great deal of pride in my being the only provider for my family. There's six people I'm responsible for and it is good peace of mind knowing that I've been able to do that. It has helped me feel better about myself. If there's something that needs taking care of, it's going to get taken care of and I'm the one taking care of it."
Only Joe Lauzon and UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva have more bonus awards under their belt, with 11 and 12 respectively.
In his retirement fight against Dan Hardy back on Aug. 14, 2011, "Lights Out" earned both "Fight of the Night" and "Submission of the Night" honors, netting him a cool $130,000 in bonuses alone.
Not a bad way to go out.
After coming up short in his bid for a seat on the Indiana State Senate earlier this year, Chris returned to his roots and continues to be one of Indiana's ‘Bravest,' working full time for the Indianapolis Fire Department.
In what was truly a fun and entertaining career, Lytle has gone on to a great life away from fighting, leaving behind a bevy of great moments, memorable fights and exciting performances for every fight fan to enjoy for years to come.
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There are many paths to freedom....not all are peaceful.
I have and will always have a Chris Lytle shrine in my mancave...dude is a fuckin WARRIOR who akways brought it and left everything he had in the cage
__________________ Dear everyone,
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His fight with Robbie Lawler was something specia (as were alot of his fightsl. Him and Lawler traded huge haymakers at the same time, with Lawler getting rocked and Lytle getting knocked down...but Lytle got up and came back to win the fight in my opinion and he even landed a huge suplex late in the 3rd round...but the judges gave it to Lawler.
and he had knee surgery like 10 or so days before his fight with Ebersole and still fought...it was obvious something was up in that fight, what other fight has Lytle initiated grappling so much and went for so many guillotines?
Lytle was a fighter I was always excited to see on a card.
Im almost afraid to ask, but is he worthy of the hall of fame? His record was not amazing, he never held a championship, didnt have a list of top 10 victims, but he did manage to collect an amazing amount of bonuses, and had some very memorable fights, both wins and losses.
Personally, I cant settle on yes or no, but I would definately not begrudge him a spot if it was given.
Lytle was a fighter I was always excited to see on a card.
Im almost afraid to ask, but is he worthy of the hall of fame? His record was not amazing, he never held a championship, didnt have a list of top 10 victims, but he did manage to collect an amazing amount of bonuses, and had some very memorable fights, both wins and losses.
Personally, I cant settle on yes or no, but I would definately not begrudge him a spot if it was given.
Yes. On top of everything you said, he was never finished in a fight...never even close really. Sure he got rocked by that knee from Ebersole, but recovered pretty quick. Pretty amazing really with the amount of top/really good fighters he fought.
Think all that needs to be said here is Chris Lytle is the man, I miss him. The UFC would be a better place if even HALF the fighters had his attitude.
Life after the Octagon: Chris Lytle thankful for the UFC and 'Fight Night' bonuses 
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