Clay Collard Bio
Clay Collard is an American professional mixed martial artist and former professional boxer born on March 10, 1993. He has competed in multiple weight divisions including featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. Collard has fought in the UFC and currently competes in the lightweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Early Life and Background
Clay Collard was born in Payson, Utah, and grew up in Castle Dale, Utah. He began wrestling at the age of six and took up boxing at eleven. Collard attended Emery High School where he lettered in wrestling, laying a strong foundation for his future career in combat sports.
Path to MMA
Collard took his first amateur mixed martial arts bout shortly after turning 18, winning by a 12-second knockout. He quickly turned professional, debuting the following weekend. He competed primarily in the Utah regional circuit, compiling a record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest before signing with the UFC.
Clay Collard Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
Starting his professional career in 2011, Collard built his reputation on the regional MMA scene. His early success and aggressive style earned him a UFC contract. During this period, he also began training boxing to improve his striking skills, eventually making his professional boxing debut in 2017.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–2015)
Collard made his UFC debut on short notice against Max Holloway in August 2014 but lost via TKO. He secured his first UFC win against Alex White by unanimous decision later that year. Despite showing promise, Collard faced setbacks with losses to Gabriel Benítez and Tiago Trator, after which he was released from the promotion.
Professional Fighters League Era (2020–Present)
In March 2020, Collard signed with the Professional Fighters League to compete in the lightweight division. His PFL debut in April 2021 was a unanimous decision win over Anthony Pettis. Collard has since recorded notable victories over fighters like Joilton Lutterbach, Jeremy Stephens, and Stevie Ray. He reached the semifinals and finals of the PFL lightweight tournament multiple times, demonstrating consistent high-level performance.
Driving Style and Strengths
Collard is known for his versatile striking, combining boxing skills with wrestling background. His reach and height advantage aid his striking range, while his wrestling roots provide solid takedown defense and control. His aggressive and well-rounded approach makes him a formidable opponent in multiple weight classes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Collard’s career include his UFC debut against Max Holloway, his transition to professional boxing, and multiple deep runs in PFL tournaments. His victory over former Bellator champion Jeremy Stephens and his recent performances in PFL semifinals highlight his competitive caliber.
Clay Collard Career Wins
Clay Collard has amassed a professional MMA record of 25 wins and 15 losses over 41 fights. His victories include 9 by decision, 2 by knockout, and 4 by submission, showcasing his versatility inside the cage.
Professional Fighters League Highlights
Collard has secured several wins in the PFL lightweight division, including a notable unanimous decision over Anthony Pettis in his debut. He has consistently advanced to playoff stages, with multiple semifinal appearances and a finals bout in 2023. His recent wins by TKO and decision demonstrate his continued evolution as a fighter.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Collard built a strong record on the Utah regional circuit with 13 wins. He also competed professionally in boxing, winning his debut match by split decision. These experiences contributed to his well-rounded fighting style.
Clay Collard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Clay Collard’s family background are not publicly documented. His upbringing in Utah and early involvement in wrestling and boxing shaped his athletic career.
Personal Life
Clay Collard resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. There is no publicly available information regarding his marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
Clay Collard is confirmed to participate in the 2025 PFL Lightweight Tournament. His recent bouts include a technical knockout win over Patricky Pitbull and competitive matches against top contenders like Mads Burnell and Brent Primus. Collard aims to leverage his experience and striking skills to contend for the championship. His ongoing partnership with Team Bonafide supports his preparation and strategy for the upcoming season.