Luke Daniel Sanders, known as “Cool Hand” in the MMA world, is a retired American mixed martial artist who made his mark in the Bantamweight division.
Born on December 12, 1985, in Brenham, Texas, and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Sanders has been a prominent figure in the MMA community since turning professional in 2011.
This article teaches you about Luke Sanders’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Luke Sanders’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Luke Daniel Sanders |
| Nickname | Cool Hand |
| Born | December 12, 1985 |
| Age | 38 |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2011 |
| Net Worth | $1-2 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Spouse | Married |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @coolhandmma |
Early Career
Sanders began his journey in combat sports at a young age, achieving success in wrestling and Toughman contests.
His athletic background includes winning national titles in BMX and finishing fourth at the grand nationals event in 1992 at just 7 years old.
He started wrestling in second grade and won a state championship for Montgomery Central High School in 2004 at 145 lbs.
Sanders also excelled in hockey, winning 2 state championships in 2001 and 2002.
Professional Career
With a record of 13 wins and 5 losses, Luke Sanders had a notable career in the UFC, showcasing his skills in multiple bouts against reputable fighters.
His professional MMA career began in 2011, and he quickly made a name for himself in various organizations, including Strikeforce and the RFA, before joining the UFC.
Sanders’ UFC debut was impressive, submitting Maximo Blanco via rear-naked choke in the first round at UFC Fight Night 81 in January 2016.
Throughout his career, he faced notable opponents such as Iuri Alcantara, Rani Yahya, and Renan Barao, with his knockout victory over former champion Barao being a significant highlight.
Spouse
Luke Sanders is married and has 2 children. He has a daughter named Riley from a previous relationship and a son named Jagger, born in 2020.
Luke Sanders’s Net Worth Details
Luke Sanders’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-2 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse ($) |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 81 | Maximo Blanco | 20,000 |
| UFC 209 | Iuri Alcantara | 12,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 123 | Alex Perez | 12,000 |
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| R. Barao | Win | KO/TKO | Feb 17, 2019 |
| R. Yahya | Loss | Submission | Aug 25, 2018 |
| F. Colares | Loss | Decision | May 1, 2021 |
FAQs
1. Who is Luke Sanders?
Luke Sanders is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Bantamweight division of the UFC. Born on December 12, 1985, in Brenham, Texas, he was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, and is known by his nickname “Cool Hand”.
2. What is Luke Sanders’ Professional MMA Record?
Luke Sanders has a professional record of 13 wins and 5 losses. He competed in the UFC and smaller promotions like Strikeforce and the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA).
3. What Sports Did Luke Sanders Play Before MMA?
Before MMA, Sanders was a multi-sport athlete. He won national titles in BMX, was a state wrestling champion, won two state hockey championships, and had an undefeated amateur boxing record of 9-0.
4. What Was Luke Sanders’ UFC Debut Like?
Sanders made an impressive UFC debut on January 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 81. He stepped in on short notice against a fighter ten pounds heavier and won by submission in just over three and a half minutes.
5. What Fighting Style Does Luke Sanders Use?
Luke Sanders is a striker with a southpaw stance. He has eight wins by knockout and one submission victory, with six of his wins coming in the first round.
6. Did Luke Sanders Have Any Notable Relationships?
Sanders previously dated WWE wrestler Becky Lynch after meeting in February 2016. He has a daughter named Riley and is from Nashville, Tennessee.
