Matt Grice, known as “The Real One” in the world of mixed martial arts, is a former UFC fighter who has shown incredible resilience throughout his career and personal life.
From his early days as a wrestling champion to his time in the UFC and his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening accident, Grice’s story is one of determination and perseverance.
This article teaches you about Matt Grice’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Matt Grice’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Grice |
| Nickname | “The Real One” |
| Born | July 29, 1981 |
| Age | 42 |
| College | University of Oklahoma |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-5 million |
| Salary | Varied based on fights and bonuses |
| Wife | Caroline Grice |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @grice00152 |
Early Career
Matt Grice’s journey in combat sports began with wrestling. He was a 4-time Oklahoma state wrestling champion at Harrah High School, where he was named Outstanding Wrestler 3 times.
His impressive high school career included a record of 143-3, and he was named Oklahoma Wrestler of the Year in 2000.
Grice’s wrestling prowess earned him a spot at the University of Oklahoma, but his collegiate career was cut short due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Professional Career
Despite the setback in his wrestling career, Grice transitioned to mixed martial arts. He made his professional MMA debut in 2005 and quickly amassed a string of victories in regional promotions.
His success led to a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2007.
He faced tough competition and had memorable battles, including a Fight of the Night performance against Dennis Bermudez at UFC 157.
However, his fighting career took an unexpected turn in September 2013 when he was involved in a severe car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury.
Wife
Matt Grice is married to Caroline Grice. The couple has 2 daughters, Harper and Finley.
Caroline has been a pillar of support throughout Grice’s career, especially during his recovery from the 2013 accident.
Matt Grice’s Net Worth Details
Matt Grice’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Matt Grice’s UFC contract the promotion from 2007 to 2013, with his last bout being against Dennis Bermudez at UFC 157.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse | Bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 157 | Dennis Bermudez | $16,000 | $50,000 (Fight of the Night) | $66,000 |
| UFC on FX 3 | Leonard Garcia | $16,000 | N/A | $16,000 |
| UFC 77 | Jason Black | $6,000 | N/A | $6,000 |
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis Bermudez | UFC 157 | Loss | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Leonard Garcia | UFC on FX 3 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Ricardo Lamas | UFC Live 4 | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:41 |
| Shannon Gugerty | UFC 100 | Loss | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 1 | 2:36 |
| Matt Veach | UFC Fight Night 17 | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:34 |
FAQs
1. Who is Matt Grice?
Matt Grice is a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC featherweight fighter. He is also a decorated high school wrestler and an Oklahoma City police officer. Grice is widely recognized for his resilience after surviving a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in 2013 and returning to work and coaching MMA.
2. What are Matt Grice’s achievements in wrestling?
Matt Grice was a four-time Oklahoma state wrestling champion at Harrah High School, earning the title of Outstanding Wrestler three times—an unparalleled feat. He had a remarkable high school record of 143-3 and was named Oklahoma Wrestler of the Year in 2000. He was also the most highly recruited wrestler in the nation at his weight class.
3. What is Matt Grice’s MMA career record?
Matt Grice has a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 5 losses. His victories include 6 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 5 by decision. He competed in notable promotions like the UFC, where he earned two “Fight of the Night” awards.
4. What happened to Matt Grice in 2013?
On September 8, 2013, Matt Grice suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident when his vehicle was rear-ended at high speed. He underwent multiple surgeries, was in a coma for a month, and faced significant challenges during recovery. Despite being given slim chances of living a normal life, he made an inspiring recovery.
5. Did Matt Grice return to work after his accident?
Yes, following his recovery, Matt Grice returned to his role as an Oklahoma City police officer in October 2014. Although he did not resume fighting professionally, he became an MMA coach and continues to inspire others through his story.
