Ed Herman

Edward Benson Herman (born October 2, 1980) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A professional competitor from 2003 to 2023, Herman was a finalist on SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter 3, and has also competed for Strikeforce and Pancrase.

At the time of his retirement, Herman had the longest uninterrupted tenure on the active roster in the UFC (made promotional debut on June 24, 2006).

Herman was born and primarily raised in Vancouver, Washington, by his father who competed in wrestling for The University of Iowa.

Herman attended Columbia River High School where he competed in wrestling and football during his junior and senior years.

Shortly after high school Herman began training in mixed martial arts at Team Quest.

After compiling a 4–1 record under the SportFight banner, a 24 year old Ed Herman would capture the light heavyweight championship against eventual UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira at SF 9: Respect.

After the bout Glover would go on a 20 fight, 9 year unbeaten streak.

Herman would never defend the belt, and shortly after would be selected to be a participant on SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter.

While on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter, he won a preliminary victory against Danny Abaddi via armbar submission.

In the semifinals, he defeated Rory Singer via rear-naked choke submission.

He then lost to Kendall Grove in the finals by unanimous decision.

Despite his loss, Herman was subsequently awarded a contract by UFC president Dana White based on his performance.

Herman made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale, where he lost to Kendall Grove in the finals by unanimous decision.

Herman lost his second fight to Jason MacDonald at Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter via triangle choke submission in round one.

At UFC Fight Night: Evans vs Salmon, Herman scored his first UFC victory in a Catchweight contest defeating Chris Price via armbar midway through round one.

At the weigh in Herman made the 186 lb limit however Price did not take to the scales, coming back later that evening to record 192 lb.

Herman won his second consecutive UFC fight by defeating Scott Smith via rear-naked choke submission.

This fight was held at UFC 72 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Herman won Submission of the Night honors for his performance.

In Herman's fourth UFC fight, he took on Canadian fighter Joe Doerksen at UFC 78 who held a prior victory over Herman via submission.

Herman avenged that loss, winning the fight by knocking Doerksen out in the third round and receiving Knockout of the Night honors in the process.

At UFC 83, Herman took on undefeated Brazilian fighter Demian Maia.

Herman lost to Maia by triangle choke submission in the second round.

At UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer, Herman lost by split decision to Alan Belcher.

Herman's next fight came at UFC 97, where he defeated David Loiseau via unanimous decision.

In his fight against Aaron Simpson, Herman's knee was caught in a bad position near the end of the first-round during a takedown, with his opponent landing on the knee.

Herman most likely sustained a serious injury at this point, visibly having trouble putting any weight on the injured leg after the round ended.

Herman seemed to recover, and answered the bell for the second round.

Early in the second, however, Herman further injured his knee attempting a high-kick, causing him to collapse to the mat in pain and the fight to be stopped.

Herman faced Tim Credeur on June 4, 2011, at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale, winning via TKO 48 seconds into the first round.

Herman then stepped in to replace an injured Tom Lawlor against Kyle Noke at UFC on Versus 5 on August 14, 2011.

Herman defeated Noke by submission (heel hook) in the first round.

Herman faced Clifford Starks on February 4, 2012, at UFC 143.

He won the fight via submission in the second round.

Herman faced Jake Shields on August 11, 2012, at UFC 150.

Herman lost to Shields via unanimous decision.

However, on October 12, 2012, it was revealed that Shields has tested positive for a banned substance and the result was overturned to a No Contest.

For the Strikeforce promotion's final show, Herman was allowed to step away from the UFC for one fight and signed to face Ronaldo Souza at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine on January 12, 2013.

Herman took the fight after several UFC fighters turned it down.