Devin Clark

Devin Terrell Clark (born April 12, 1990) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2010, he was signed by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after Dana White scouted him on the "Dana White: Looking for a Fight - Season 1 Episode 6" UFC web series

Background

Clark was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1990. He started boxing as a child and wrestling at the age of seven, continuing to compete in the latter in high school. He started coming into his own as a junior in high school, where in the State Finals match, he lost to former UFC athlete David Michaud. The following year, his senior year, he became the South Dakota State Champion at 189 lbs. Clark attended Rochester Community and Technical College where he was a two-time NJCAA All-American at the 184-pounds division for the Yellowjackets. He won the National Championship in 2009, and placed 4th in 2010.

Despite eventually dropping out of college, Clark wasn't ready to stop competing as a martial artist, so Clark started MMA training at his local gym, Team Nak Suk, and later moved to Next Edge Academy under the tutelage of BJJ black belt Bruce Hoyer. He quickly moved up and competed in the Resurrection Fighting Alliance. He was a high school state wrestling champion, Junior College National wrestling champion, and an amateur boxer

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Clark made his UFC promotion debut on July 13, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 91. He dropped to middleweight to face Alex Nicholson, and suffered his first lost on his MMA career lost via KO (punch) on round one.

Clark moved back to light heavyweight division and faced Josh Stansbury on The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale on short notice, December 3, 2016 for the TUF 24 Final against Josh Stansbury. With his father's voice booming out encouragement throughout the small venue, Devin Clark simply outworked Josh Stansbury in a three-round battle.

On the strength of his takedowns and power punching, Clark (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) downed a somewhat tentative Stansbury (8-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) to nab the unanimous decision victory over him. He avoided the guillotine chokes on early rounds and planted Stansbury on his back and with aggressive striking throughout all three rounds. The move to light heavyweight proved to be successful

Personal life

When Clark was in high school at Lincoln, his two best friends gave him the moniker "Brown Bear", citing his dual personal characteristics - He has bear-like wrestling, and has a pleasant, thoughtful demeanor in everyday life. Clark is active in helping numerous non profit agencies in his community. He is especially involved in advocating for those that have Down syndrome and was recently appointed to the National Board of Garrett's Fight.

While training for his bout at UFC on Fox 24, Clark gained notice for advocating for Down syndrome awareness. Clark is very vocal in support of Down Syndrome Awareness and Advocacy, and the campaign to save the unborn Down Syndrome child from abortion

Clark and his wife have a daughter.