Clint Hester is an American professional boxer and mixed martial artist who last competed in 2016. A professional competitor since 2008, he fought in the UFC and was a contestant on.
Background
Hester is from Atlanta, Georgia. He often got into fights growing up, but was not an instigator rather defended several of his friends. Hester, who played football, had planned to play college football but decided to take a different path when he was not offered a scholarship.
Boxing career
Hester thought of joining the military after high school, but ultimately chose to start training in boxing and was coached by Willie D'Antignac, amassing an amateur record of 13–3. Hester turned professional in 2007 and lost his first bout by first-round knockout. Hester fought six more times until his final fight in 2013. When Hester's boxing gym closed down he searched for another gym to train at before finding X3 Sports MMA. Hester decided to make the switch to MMA.
Hester started his professional MMA career out at 2-0 before being offered a spot in an upcoming local Grand Prix. Hester won his opening round matchup via knockout. He lost in the next round of the tournament to future Bellator Fighting Championships welterweight title contender, Douglas Lima, via unanimous decision.
''The Ultimate Fighter''
In January 2013, it was announced that Hester was selected for. Hester defeated Fraser Opie by decision to earn his way into the house. He was then selected as Jon Jones's first pick and second pick overall. Hester had his preliminary fight against Team Sonnen's Jimmy Quinlan. Hester was upset in the second round via submission. Though Hester was a candidate for the wildcard, his coach, Jon Jones, ultimately picked Bubba McDaniel.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Despite losing in the preliminaries, Hester was given a fight at the finale. Hester faced Bristol Marunde at. Hester won the back-and-forth fight via KO from a standing elbow in the third round. Hester was expected to face Cezar Ferreira on August 3, 2013 at UFC 163. However, on July 18, it was announced he was taken out of the bout due to an injury. For his second UFC fight, Hester faced Dylan Andrews on December 7, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 33. He won the fight via TKO due to injury after Andrews dislocated his shoulder in the second round. Hester faced Andy Enz on February 1, 2014 at UFC 169. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Hester faced Antônio Braga Neto on June 28, 2014 at. He won the back and forth fight via split decision. Hester faced Robert Whittaker November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round; the first loss of his UFC career. Despite the loss, Hester was awarded his first Fight of the Night bonus award for the bout. Hester was expected to face Luke Barnatt on April 4, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 63. However, Hester pulled out of the fight in early March due to a broken foot. Hester faced Vitor Miranda on August 1, 2015 at UFC 190. He lost the fight by TKO in the second round due to punches and elbows. Hester next faced Marcos Rogério de Lima in a light heavyweight bout on April 23, 2016 at UFC 197. He lost the one sided fight via submission in the first round. On June 3 Hester was released from the promotion.
