It almost seems in vogue for UFC fighters to drop weight classes, and Rich Attonito is joining the crowd.
After three bouts in the middleweight division, Rich Attonito will drop to the welterweight division, and his sights are firmly set on the UFC world title. “I feel I’m finally down at the weight class I should have been the entire time,” said Attonito. “I feel better than I’ve ever felt physically and athletically. I’m ready to go in there and take the victory.”
A longtime member of American Top Team and a cast member of “The Ultimate Fighter 11,” Attonito was injured during competition and was unable to continue. He made the most of his chance at the TUF 11 Finale, however, earning a TKO victory over Jamie Yager. He followed up that win with a unanimous decision over Renzo Gracie black belt Rafael Natal, but he suffered his first UFC loss to Dave Branch at the TUF 12 Finale in December. With the loss, Attonito decided that a move to welterweight would be best for his career, and he makes that move later this month when he takes on eight-time UFC veteran Matt Brown at “UFC on Versus 4” in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“This fight is definitely a step up in competition for me,” indicated Attonito. “I’ve followed Matt’s fights for a long time and I like the intensity he brings. I have a lot of respect for him and I’m extremely excited about this fight.” Known as “The Raging Bull,” Attonito also was a Division I wrestler at Hofstra University, where he earned a degree in communications. Overall, Attonito holds a 9-4 record, including victories in two of his three UFC bouts. Six of his nine wins have come via knockout or submission, and the 33-year-old plans on making his victory over Matt Brown on June 26 the next step toward making a run at the UFC welterweight title.
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