Dennis Lloyd Hallman (born December 2, 1975) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed from 1996 to 2015. A veteran of 75 fights, he competed in various promotions including the UFC, Strikeforce, IFL, the World Series of Fighting, Titan FC, Shooto, and King of the Cage. He is most notable for infamously sporting a blue speedo to the octagon in his UFC fight against Brian Ebersole. He is also notable for being the only fighter other than George St. Pierre and B.J. Penn to defeat former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes twice.

Dennis Hallman
BornDennis Lloyd Hallman
(1975-12-02) December 2, 1975 (age 48)
Olympia, Washington, U.S.
Other namesSuperman
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight181 lb (82 kg; 12 st 13 lb)
DivisionMiddleweight
Welterweight
Lightweight
Reach72 in (180 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofYelm, Washington, United States
TeamVictory Athletics
Rank  2nd degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Fabiano Scherner[1][2]
Years active1996–2007, 2009–2011, 2013–2015
Professional boxing record
Total4
Wins1
Losses3
By knockout2
Mixed martial arts record
Total76
Wins53
By knockout4
By submission41
By decision7
By disqualification1
Losses20
By knockout11
By decision9
Draws2
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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Hallman was born in Olympia, Washington, and began training when he was eight years old. He was on the Wrestling team at Yelm High School and won the 135-pound state championship in his senior year. Hallman had planned to continue his career at a community college, but broke his leg during the pre-season training, and had to be sidelined for the entire season. A former high school classmate was sending in video tapes to Battlecade and invited Hallman to fight him because Hallman was a well-known wrestler. Hallman won the fight by a guillotine choke, and his opponent's praise of Hallman's potential encouraged Hallman to pursue a career in MMA. Hallman had an exhibition match three weeks later against a Japanese fighter who was training with Matt Hume, which Hallman also won.[3]

MMA career

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Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Two of Hallman's biggest achievements are his wins (both by submission in a combined 38 seconds) over UFC Hall of Famer and former welterweight champion Matt Hughes. Their first fight was in 1998 at Extreme Challenge 21, the second in December 2000 at UFC 29: Defense of the Belts.

Title shot

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After his second victory over Matt Hughes, Hallman moved down in weight and fought Hughes' teammate Jens Pulver for the lightweight UFC championship in September 2001. Both Hallman and Pulver wrestled at the high school level in Washington. Hallman claimed to know Pulver since high school and expressed dislike toward the fighter. Although Pulver denied knowing Hallman personally, he knew of Hallman through their state champion wrestling careers (at different weight classes).

During the fight Hallman attempted an armbar on Pulver (the same move he used to defeat Hughes in their second meeting), but Pulver countered the technique and followed with a left hook that landed flush on Hallman's chin, staggering him. Hallman was not able to recover completely from the blow, fighting very passively for the remainder of the bout (which eventually resulted in a unanimous decision loss). Hallman later stated in interviews that he simply wanted to survive the fight after receiving the blow.

Return to the UFC

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Hallman made his return to the UFC against John Howard on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.[4] After controlling Howard on the ground for most of the bout, Hallman lost via KO at 4:55 of the third round.

Hallman then announced that he would try and move down to lightweight.[5]

Hallman then signed to face Ben Saunders in a welterweight bout on August 7, 2010, at UFC 117.[6] Hallman defeated Saunders via unanimous decision.

Hallman faced returning UFC veteran Karo Parisyan on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123.[7] Hallman defeated Parisyan via TKO due to strikes in the first round after he dropped Parisyan with a stiff right, then finished with hammerfists.

Hallman was expected to face TJ Waldburger on March 26, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 24.[8] However, Hallman was forced out of the bout with a knee injury and replaced by Johny Hendricks.[9]

On January 15, 2011, it was announced that Hallman has extended his UFC contract for four additional UFC fights.[10]

Hallman faced Brian Ebersole on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133.[11] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round. Wearing particularly skimpy blue shorts during the fight, in a ground battle Hallman's left testicle was briefly exposed, eliciting chants of "Put some clothes on" from the crowd and call for regulation of fighter shorts from UFC President Dana White. Hallman has since stated that he wore the shorts as a result of losing a bet.[12]

Hallman next faced John Makdessi on December 10, 2011, at UFC 140.[13] In the lead up to the bout, Hallman missed the 156 pound weight limit by weighing in at 158.5, resulting in a fine and the fight being changed to a catchweight bout. Hallman defeated Makdessi via submission in the first round.

Hallman was expected to face Tony Ferguson on May 5, 2012, at UFC on Fox 3.[14] However, Hallman was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Thiago Tavares.[15]

Hallman was expected to face Thiago Tavares on September 1, 2012, at UFC 151.[16] However, after UFC 151 was cancelled, Hallman/Tavares was rescheduled to take place on October 5, 2012, at UFC on FX 5.[17] After the weigh-ins of UFC on FX 5 Hallman was 7 lbs. over the 156 lb. weight limit and Tavares said if Hallman could make 3 lbs. over the weight limit he would agree to fight him but Hallman could not and the bout was scrapped from the card. Hallman said he missed weight because of personal issues at home and both him and Tavares were paid their show money. Hallman was released from the UFC for missing weight twice in a row.[18]

World Series Of Fighting

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Hallman fought Jon Fitch on July 5, 2014, at World Series of Fighting 11: Gaethje vs. Newell.[19] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

ProFC

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Hallman faced with Russian Hand-to-hand champion and former Bellator MMA fighter Michail Tsarev on November 1, 2014. He lost the fight via TKO.

League S-70

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Hallman faced to Mikhail Kolobegov on August 29, 2015, at League S-70: Russia vs. World.[20] He lost the fight via TKO (punches).[21]

Boxing career

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Hallman made his professional boxing debut on August 23, 2014, in Tacoma, Washington, at the Emerald Queen Casino on the Battle at the Boat 97 card. As of May 2020, his professional boxing record stands at 1–3.[22]

Personal life

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Hallman has three sons, Ryley, Richie, and Jayden and a daughter named Kylar, who was born in December 2008.[23]

He has Coeliac Disease, an autoimmune digestive reaction to wheat gluten, which hindered his ability to recover properly from physical activities such as training and fighting.[24]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
76 matches 53 wins 20 losses
By knockout 4 11
By submission 41 0
By decision 7 9
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 2
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 53–20–2 (1) Will Noland KO (punches) KOTC: Untamed November 19, 2015 1 2:38 Worley, Idaho, United States Catchweight (193 lbs) bout.
Loss 53–19–2 (1) Mikhail Kolobegov TKO (punches) League S-70: Russia vs. World August 29, 2015 1 1:19 Sochi, Russia
Loss 53–18–2 (1) Albert Tadevosyan TKO (punches) MMA Summer Showdown 2 July 18, 2015 1 N/A Tulalip, Washington, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 53–17–2 (1) Yang Dongi TKO (punches) Top FC 6: Unbreakable Dream April 5, 2015 1 3:25 Seoul, South Korea Catchweight (198 lbs) bout.
Loss 53–16–2 (1) Michail Tsarev TKO (punches) ProFC 56: Baltic Challenge 6 November 1, 2014 1 2:45 Kaliningrad, Russia
Loss 53–15–2 (1) Jon Fitch Decision (unanimous) WSOF 11 July 5, 2014 3 5:00 Daytona Beach, Florida, United States
Win 53–14–2 (1) Aleksey Shapovalov Submission (rear-naked choke) Union of Veterans of Sport: Cup of Champions December 21, 2013 2 1:07 Novosibirsk, Russia Return to Middleweight.
Win 52–14–2 (1) Dan Hornbuckle Decision (majority) Titan FC 26 August 30, 2013 3 5:00 Kansas City, Missouri, United States Welterweight bout.
Win 51–14–2 (1) John Makdessi Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 140 December 10, 2011 1 2:58 Toronto, Ontario, Canada Catchweight (158 lbs) bout; Hallman missed weight.
Loss 50–14–2 (1) Brian Ebersole TKO (elbows) UFC 133 August 6, 2011 1 4:28 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 50–13–2 (1) Karo Parisyan TKO (punches) UFC 123 November 20, 2010 1 1:47 Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Win 49–13–2 (1) Ben Saunders Decision (unanimous) UFC 117 August 7, 2010 3 5:00 Oakland, California, United States
Loss 48–13–2 (1) John Howard KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale December 5, 2009 3 4:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Welterweight.
Win 48–12–2 (1) Justin Davis Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg June 19, 2009 1 0:20 Kent, Washington, United States Catchweight (200 lbs) bout.
Win 47–12–2 (1) Danny Ruiz Submission (rear-naked choke) SRP: March Badness March 21, 2009 1 1:50 Pensacola, Florida, United States
Win 46–12–2 (1) Jeremiah Metcalf Submission (heel hook) Strikeforce: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives November 16, 2007 1 1:39 San Jose, California, United States Tested positive for banned substance.
Win 45–12–2 (1) Dave Knight Submission (rear-naked choke) USA MMA: Rumble on the River 4 July 27, 2007 1 N/A Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Win 44–12–2 (1) Jeff Quinlan Decision (majority) IFL: Gracie vs. Miletich September 23, 2006 3 4:00 Moline, Illinois, United States
Loss 43–12–2 (1) Ryan McGivern Decision (unanimous) IFL: Championship 2006 June 3, 2006 3 4:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 43–11–2 (1) Delson Heleno DQ (illegal kick) IFL: Legends Championship 2006 April 29, 2006 1 3:59 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Hallman unable to continue after illegal soccer kick.
Win 42–11–2 (1) Ray Perales Submission (rear-naked choke) Valor Fighting: Showdown at Cache Creek February 3, 2006 1 0:33 Brooks, California, United States
Loss 41–11–2 (1) Jorge Rivera Decision (unanimous) UFC 55 October 7, 2005 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 41–10–2 (1) Nick Tyree Submission (guillotine choke) Valor Fighting: Medford Mayhem July 16, 2005 1 2:27 Medford, Oregon, United States
Loss 40–10–2 (1) Ansar Chalangov TKO (corner stoppage) Euphoria: USA vs. Russia May 14, 2005 2 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Bout ended after second round due to Hallman's fatigue.[25]
Win 40–9–2 (1) Cedric Marks Submission (triangle choke) XFC: Dome of Destruction 2 April 30, 2005 1 2:48 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win 39–9–2 (1) Rory Singer Submission (rear-naked choke) AFC 11: Absolute Fighting Championships 11 February 12, 2005 1 1:19 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Return to Middleweight; won the vacant AFC Middleweight Championship.[26]
Win 38–9–2 (1) Ross Ebañez Submission (rear-naked choke) ROTR 6: Rumble on the Rock 6 November 20, 2004 1 1:13 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 37–9–2 (1) Landon Showalter Submission (triangle choke) SF 7: Frightnight October 23, 2004 1 2:04 Gresham, Oregon, United States
Win 36–9–2 (1) Mike Seal Submission (rear-naked choke) SF 6: Battleground in Reno September 23, 2004 1 0:50 Reno, Nevada, United States
Loss 35–9–2 (1) Frank Trigg TKO (punches) UFC 48 June 19, 2004 1 4:15 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 35–8–2 (1) Rob Mendez Submission (rear-naked choke) USA MMA: Extreme Cage Combat March 6, 2004 1 0:56 Shelton, Washington, United States
Win 34–8–2 (1) Jason Stumpf Submission (triangle choke) URC 7: Ultimate Ring Challenge 7 February 14, 2004 1 2:43 Yelm, Washington, United States
Draw 33–8–2 (1) J.T. Taylor Draw DB 9: DesertBrawl 9 November 8, 2003 3 5:00 Bend, Oregon, United States
Win 33–8–1 (1) Ray Cooper Submission (guillotine choke) Rumble on the Rock 4 October 10, 2003 1 0:43 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 32–8–1 (1) Drew Fickett Decision (split) KOTC 28: More Punishment August 16, 2003 3 5:00 Reno, Nevada, United States Lightweight bout.
Win 32–7–1 (1) Brandon Olsen Submission (armbar) AOW: Art of War 2 June 21, 2003 1 N/A Kalispell, Montana, United States
Win 31–7–1 (1) Chris Irvine Submission (rear-naked choke) URC 5: Ultimate Ring Challenge 5 May 24, 2003 1 1:43 Lacey, Washington, United States
Win 30–7–1 (1) Lee Henderson TKO (punches) XRW: Xtreme Ring Wars 2 May 10, 2003 1 0:37 Pasco, Washington, United States
Win 29–7–1 (1) Vince Guzman Submission (rear-naked choke) XRW: Xtreme Ring Wars 1 March 15, 2003 1 3:28 Wenatchee, Washington, United States
Draw 28–7–1 (1) Ronald Jhun Draw KOTC 19: Street Fighter December 7, 2002 2 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Loss 28–7 (1) Frank Trigg TKO (punches) WFA 3: Level 3 November 23, 2002 1 3:50 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the WFA Welterweight Championship.
Win 28–6 (1) Betiss Mansouri Submission (triangle choke) KOTC 18: Sudden Impact November 1, 2002 1 3:39 Reno, Nevada, United States Return to Welterweight.
Win 27–6 (1) Adam Oliver Submission (rear-naked choke) UFCF: Rumble in Rochester August 24, 2002 1 2:59 Rochester, Washington, United States
Win 26–6 (1) Gary Dobbins Submission (rear-naked choke) PPKA: Road to Victory May 25, 2002 1 0:20 Longview, Washington, United States
Win 25–6 (1) Chris Silva Submission (armbar) URC 2: Ultimate Ring Challenge 2 April 27, 2002 1 2:00 Olympia, Washington, United States
NC 24–6 (1) Denis Kang No Contest WFF 1: World Freestyle Fighting 1 April 13, 2002 2 3:15 Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Hallman unable to continue after illegal up-kick.
Win 24–6 Buck Greer Decision (split) UA 2: The Gathering March 16, 2002 3 5:00 Cabazon, California, United States
Win 23–6 Mathias Hughes Submission (rear-naked choke) MFC 3: Canadian Pride March 3, 2002 1 1:05 Grande Prairie, Alberta
Loss 22–6 Amaury Bitetti Decision (split) Shogun 1: Shogun 1 December 15, 2001 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Return to Middleweight.
Loss 22–5 Jens Pulver Decision (unanimous) UFC 33 September 28, 2001 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 22–4 Earl Thompson Submission (rear-naked choke) PPKA: Muckelshoot August 15, 2001 1 0:12 Auburn, Washington, United States
Win 21–4 Dan Shenk Submission (rear-naked choke) AMC: Revenge of the Warriors July 21, 2001 1 N/A Rochester, Washington, United States
Win 20–4 Eric Dahlberg KO (punch) RITR 2: Rumble in the Ring 2 April 28, 2001 1 0:12 Auburn, Washington, United States
Win 19–4 Brent Russell Submission (americana) AMC: Return of the Gladiators 3 March 3, 2001 1 N/A Rochester, Washington, United States
Win 18–4 Matt Hughes Submission (armbar) UFC 29 December 16, 2000 1 0:20 Tokyo, Japan Welterweight bout.
Win 17–4 Jordon Klimp Decision (unanimous) UFCF: Tornado Challenge September 16, 2000 3 3:00 Yelm, Washington, United States
Win 16–4 Jeff Sears Submission (rear-naked choke) PPKA: Wenatchee Rumble August 1, 2000 1 2:15 Wenatchee, Washington, United States
Win 15–4 Murrey Sholtey TKO (punches) AMC: Return of the Gladiators 1 July 29, 2000 1 3:30 Rochester, Washington, United States
Loss 14–4 Paul Rodriguez KO (punch) HOOKnSHOOT: Meltdown June 10, 2000 3 0:18 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Loss 14–3 Caol Uno Decision (unanimous) Shooto: R.E.A.D. 3 April 2, 2000 3 5:00 Osaka, Japan Lightweight debut.
Win 14–2 Danny Bennett Technical Submission (armbar) UFCF: Battle in Bellevue 2 December 4, 1999 1 3:16 Bellevue, Washington, United States
Loss 13–2 Dave Menne Decision (unanimous) Shooto: 10th Anniversary Event May 29, 1999 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 13–1 Danny Bennett Submission (americana) UFCF: Battle in Bellevue 1 April 24, 1999 1 N/A Bellevue, Washington, United States
Loss 12–1 Mike McClure Decision (unanimous) EC 23: Extreme Challenge 23 April 2, 1999 1 15:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 12–0 Gerrald Ballinger Submission (armbar) URC 1: Ultimate Ring Challenge 1 March 1, 1999 1 1:11 Wenatchee, Washington, United States
Win 11–0 Matt Hughes Technical Submission (guillotine choke) Extreme Challenge 21 October 17, 1998 1 0:17 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 10–0 Shannon Ritch Submission (punches) 1 0:44
Win 9–0 Allan Mollring Submission (armbar) 1 2:52
Win 8–0 Phil Johns Submission (guillotine choke) EC 20: Extreme Challenge 20 August 22, 1998 1 3:47 Davenport, Iowa, United States
Win 7–0 Leigh Remedios Submission (kimura) UWC: Ultimate Warrior Challenge August 2, 1998 1 9:45 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 6–0 Ulan Moore Submission (rear-naked choke) UFCF: Night of Champions March 14, 1998 1 1:21 Washington
Win 5–0 Sean Haley Submission (bulldog choke) EC 21: Extreme Challenge 21 November 21, 1997 1 1:05 Washington
Win 4–0 Jose De La Cruz Submission (americana) TS: Tae Sho September 12, 1997 1 3:28 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win 3–0 Zack Gross Decision (unanimous) UFCF: Clash of the Titans January 11, 1997 1 5:00 Washington
Win 2–0 Hiroki Noritsugi Decision (unanimous) UFCF: Ultimate Fighting 2 May 18, 1996 1 5:00 Kirkland, Washington, United States
Win 1–0 Hiroki Noritsugi Submission (guillotine choke) 1 0:20

Professional boxing record

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4 fights 1 win 3 losses
By knockout 0 2
By decision 0 1
By disqualification 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
4 Loss 1–3   Kadin Lecoure TKO 4 October 13, 2018   Coeur d’Alene Casino, Worley, Idaho, U.S.
3 Loss 1–2   Craig Thomson TKO 2 (8) March 1, 2018   Coeur d’Alene Casino, Worley, Idaho, U.S.
2 Win 1–1   Justin Milani DQ 4 September 6, 2014   Silver Reef Casino, Ferndale, Washington, U.S.
1 Loss 0–1   Frankie Orr UD 4 Aug 23, 2014   Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.

References

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  1. ^ Dennis Halmann promoted BJJ Black Belt tonight !
  2. ^ "Dennis Hallman". linkedin.com.
  3. ^ ""Superman" vs. "Doomsday" shifted to The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale in December". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
  4. ^ ""Superman" vs. "Doomsday" shifted to The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale in December". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2009-09-12. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
  5. ^ Steven Marrocco. "Longtime veteran Dennis Hallman back to lightweight after nine years as welterweight". mmajunkie. Archived from the original on 2010-02-19. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  6. ^ "Dennis Hallman faces Ben Saunders at UFC 117". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2010-05-07. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  7. ^ "Karo Parisyan Welcomed Back to UFC, Offered Dennis Hallman at UFC 123". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2010-09-02.
  8. ^ "Dennis Hallman meets T.J. Waldburger at UFC Fight Night 24 in Seattle". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2011-01-12. Retrieved 2011-01-10.
  9. ^ "Hendricks replaces Hallman, faces Waldburger at UFC Fight Night 24". MMAJunkie.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  10. ^ "Dennis Hallman re-ups for four additional UFC fights". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2011-01-17. Retrieved 2011-01-16.
  11. ^ "Brian Ebersole and Dennis Hallman to meet at August's UFC 133 event". MMAJunkie.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  12. ^ "Following Hallman's UFC 133 banana hammock, White serious about short-shorts ban". MMAJunkie.com. Archived from the original on August 16, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  13. ^ "Dennis Hallman and John Makdessi agree to UFC 140 matchup in Toronto". MMAJunkie.com. 2011-09-09. Archived from the original on 2011-09-30.
  14. ^ Becker, Dana. "Tony Ferguson-Dennis Hallman Planned For UFC On FOX 3". fightline.com. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  15. ^ "Tavares replaces injured Hallman, faces Ferguson at UFC on Fox 3". mmajunkie.com. March 16, 2012. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  16. ^ "Dennis Hallman vs. Thiago Tavares moves from UFC 150 to UFC 151". mmajunkie.com. July 12, 2012. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  17. ^ "Dennis Hallman-Thiago Tavares fight moves from scrapped UFC 151 to UFC on FX 5". mmajunkie.com. August 23, 2012. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  18. ^ Ariel Helwani (October 4, 2012). "Dennis Hallman Cut From UFC After Missing Weight for Friday Event". mmafighting.com. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  19. ^ "Dennis Hallman steps in to fight Jon Fitch in WSOF 11 co-headliner". mmajunkie.com. 2014-06-12. Retrieved 2014-06-30.
  20. ^ "Russian super star vs. world". news.sportbox.ru. August 20, 2015.
  21. ^ "Russian super star vs. world". euronews.com. August 29, 2015.
  22. ^ "BoxRec: Login".
  23. ^ "Talking with Superman: an exclusive PRO MMA interview with Dennis Hallman". Promma.com. 2008-12-16. Archived from the original on 2009-02-08. Retrieved 2008-12-29.
  24. ^ "'BACK'S TO THE WALL' FOR HALLMAN AT UFC 117". MMAWEEKLY.com. 2010-08-03. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  25. ^ American Top Team Staff (May 14, 2005). "Euphoria MFC Results". AmericanTopTeam.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2012. Retrieved August 23, 2012.
  26. ^ "American Top Team, Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu News".
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