Hubbry Logo
Andre FiliAndre FiliMain
Open search
Andre Fili
Community hub
Andre Fili
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Andre Fili
Andre Fili
Andre Fili
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Andre Riley Givens-Fili[2] (born Andre Riley Givens;[3] June 25, 1990) is an American professional mixed martial artist and musician[4] who currently competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Key Information

Background

[edit]

Fili is of Samoan and Native Hawaiian descent.[5] He grew up in a broken home, where both of the parents were violent against each other and also their children. Fili's mother raised her kids alone, as her husband was serving jail time on multiple occasions and was not living in the house. The violent and unstable upbringing left its mark on Fili, and he started seeking out street brawls as a teenager. In 2009, Fili moved to Sacramento and while still under probation, he joined Team Alpha Male and began training mixed martial arts.[6]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Fili made his professional debut on December 12, 2009, against Anthony Motley. Fili won the fight via TKO and won his next three fights via TKO as well. Fili suffered his first loss, by knee injury, against Strikeforce vet Derrick Burnsed. Fili bounced back from the loss winning his next 8 fights including a win over Strikeforce veteran Alexander Crispim.[7]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

Fili made his promotional debut on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166 against Jeremy Larsen.[8] Fili, who was in the middle of a training camp for a welterweight bout in another promotion, took the featherweight fight on short notice (two weeks) to replace an injured Charles Oliveira. The bout was contested at a catchweight, as Fili was unable to make the required weight. Fili won the fight via TKO in the second round.[9]

Fili faced Max Holloway on April 26, 2014, at UFC 172.[10] He lost the fight via submission in the third round.[11]

Fili was expected to face Sean Soriano on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.[12] However, Fili was forced from the bout with an injury and replaced by Chas Skelly.[13]

Fili faced Felipe Arantes on October 25, 2014, at UFC 179.[14] He won via unanimous decision.[15]

Fili faced Godofredo Pepey on March 21, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 62.[16] He lost the fight via submission in the first round.[17]

Fili was expected to face Clay Collard on September 5, 2015, at UFC 191.[18] However, Fili was forced out of the bout with injury and replaced by Tiago Trator.[19]

Fili faced Gabriel Benítez on November 21, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale.[20] He won the fight via knockout in the first round and also earned a Performance of the Night bonus.[21][22]

Fili faced Yair Rodríguez on April 23, 2016, at UFC 197.[23] Fili lost the fight via knockout in the second round.[24]

Fili faced Hacran Dias on October 1, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 96, filling in for an injured Brian Ortega.[25] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[26]

Fili was expected to face Doo Ho Choi on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214.[27] However Choi pulled out of the fight and was replaced by promotional newcomer Calvin Kattar.[28] Fili lost the fight by unanimous decision.[29]

Fili faced Artem Lobov on October 21, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 118.[30] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[31]

Fili faced Dennis Bermudez on January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox 27.[32] He won the fight via split decision.[33]

Fili faced Michael Johnson on August 25, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 135.[34] He lost the fight via split decision.[35]

Fili faced Myles Jury on February 17, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 1.[36] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[37]

Fili faced Sheymon Moraes on July 13, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 13.[38] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[39] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[40]

Fili faced Sodiq Yusuff on January 18, 2020, at UFC 246.[41] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[42]

Fili faced Charles Jourdain on June 13, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo.[43] He won the bout via split decision.[44]

Fili faced Bryce Mitchell on October 31, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 181.[45] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[46]

Fili faced Daniel Pineda on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 190.[47] Early in round two, Fili accidentally poked Pineda in the eye and he was deemed unable to continue. The fight was declared a no contest.[48]

Fili faced Joanderson Brito on April 30, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 35.[49] He lost the fight via TKO in round one.[50]

Fili was scheduled to face Lando Vannata on September 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 210.[51] However, Vannata was forced to pull from the event due to injury[52] and was replaced by Bill Algeo.[53] Fili won the fight via split decision.[54]

Fili was scheduled to face Lucas Almeida on February 25, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 220.[55] However, Fili was forced to withdraw from the bout due to emergency eye surgery.[56]

Fili faced Nathaniel Wood on July 22, 2023, at UFC on ESPN+ 82.[57] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[58]

Fili faced Lucas Almeida on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296.[59] He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[60]

Fili faced Dan Ige, replacing injured Lerone Murphy, on February 10, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 236.[61] He lost the bout by knockout in the first round.[62]

Fili faced Cub Swanson on June 29, 2024, at UFC 303.[63] He won the fight by split decision.[64] 13 out of 15 media outlets scored the bout for Swanson.[65] This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award.[66]

Fili faced Melquizael Costa on February 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 252.[67] He lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the first round.[68]

Fili faced Christian Rodriguez on August 9, 2025 at UFC on ESPN 72.[69] He won the fight by split decision.[70] This was Fili's fifth split decision win, which ties Gleison Tibau for most in UFC history.[71]

Fili is scheduled to face Jose Miguel Delgado on March 14, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 269.[72]

Professional grappling career

[edit]

Fili made his professional grappling debut against Shane Shapiro at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 2 on July 3, 2022.[73] He lost the bout via north–south choke.[74]

Championships and awards

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
38 matches 25 wins 12 losses
By knockout 10 4
By submission 3 3
By decision 12 5
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 25–12 (1) Christian Rodriguez Decision (split) UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs. Hernandez August 9, 2025 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 24–12 (1) Melquizael Costa Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song February 22, 2025 1 4:30 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 24–11 (1) Cub Swanson Decision (split) UFC 303 June 29, 2024 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 23–11 (1) Dan Ige KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer February 10, 2024 1 2:43 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 23–10 (1) Lucas Almeida TKO (punches) UFC 296 December 16, 2023 1 3:32 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 22–10 (1) Nathaniel Wood Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura July 22, 2023 3 5:00 London, England
Win 22–9 (1) Bill Algeo Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song September 17, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 21–9 (1) Joanderson Brito TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Font vs. Vera April 30, 2022 1 0:41 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
NC 21–8 (1) Daniel Pineda NC (accidental eye poke) UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov June 26, 2021 2 0:46 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Accidental eye poke rendered Pineda unable to continue.
Loss 21–8 Bryce Mitchell Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva October 31, 2020 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21–7 Charles Jourdain Decision (split) UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo June 13, 2020 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 20–7 Sodiq Yusuff Decision (unanimous) UFC 246 January 18, 2020 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 20–6 Sheymon Moraes KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: de Randamie vs. Ladd July 13, 2019 1 3:07 Sacramento, California, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 19–6 Myles Jury Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez February 17, 2019 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 18–6 Michael Johnson Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick August 25, 2018 3 5:00 Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Win 18–5 Dennis Bermudez Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 January 27, 2018 3 5:00 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Win 17–5 Artem Lobov Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Till October 21, 2017 3 5:00 Gdańsk, Poland
Loss 16–5 Calvin Kattar Decision (unanimous) UFC 214 July 29, 2017 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 16–4 Hacran Dias Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lineker vs. Dodson October 1, 2016 3 5:00 Portland, Oregon, United States Catchweight (148.5 lb) bout; Dias missed weight.
Loss 15–4 Yair Rodríguez KO (head kick) UFC 197 April 23, 2016 2 2:15 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 15–3 Gabriel Benítez KO (head kick and punches) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale: Magny vs. Gastelum November 21, 2015 1 3:13 Monterrey, Mexico Performance of the Night.
Loss 14–3 Godofredo Pepey Submission (flying triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. LaFlare March 21, 2015 1 3:14 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 14–2 Felipe Arantes Decision (unanimous) UFC 179 October 25, 2014 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 13–2 Max Holloway Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 172 April 26, 2014 3 3:39 Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Win 13–1 Jeremy Larsen TKO (punches) UFC 166 October 19, 2013 2 0:53 Houston, Texas, United States Catchweight (148.5 lb) bout; Fili missed weight.
Win 12–1 Adrian Diaz TKO (punches) West Coast FC 5 May 3, 2013 3 1:29 Sacramento, California, United States
Win 11–1 Enoch Wilson Decision (unanimous) Tachi Palace Fights 15 November 15, 2012 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (151 lb) bout.
Win 10–1 Ricky Wallace Technical Submission (armbar) Tachi Palace Fights 14 September 7, 2012 2 4:08 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 9–1 Jesse Bowen TKO (punches) West Coast FC: Showdown June 9, 2012 1 2:57 Yuba City, California, United States
Win 8–1 Matt Muramoto Submission (triangle choke) KOTC: All In April 21, 2012 1 1:59 Oroville, California, United States
Win 7–1 Alexander Crispim Decision (unanimous) Cage Combat FC: The Return March 3, 2012 3 5:00 Santa Rosa, California, United States
Win 6–1 Vaymond Dennis Submission (armbar) West Coast FC: Bruvado Bash January 7, 2012 2 1:51 Placerville, California, United States
Win 5–1 Tony Rios Decision (unanimous) Capitol FC: Fall Classic October 8, 2011 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States
Loss 4–1 Derrick Burnsed TKO (knee injury) Rebel Fighter: Domination October 2, 2010 5 1:22 Roseville, California, United States For the RF Featherweight Championship.
Win 4–0 Tony Reveles KO (head kick) Rebel Fighter: Delima vs. Christensen August 21, 2010 1 1:01 Placerville, California, United States
Win 3–0 Justin Smitley TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge: Champions May 1, 2010 2 1:41 Placerville, California, United States
Win 2–0 Cain Campos TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge: Domination March 6, 2010 1 0:16 Placerville, California, United States
Win 1–0 Anthony Motley TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge: Chain Reaction December 12, 2009 1 1:01 Placerville, California, United States Featherweight debut.

[76]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Andre Fili

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Andre Fili, born Andre Riley Givens-Fili on June 25, 1990, in , is an American professional and musician who competes in the division of the (UFC). Fili began training in as a teenager around age 14 or 15, inspired by a desire to gain recognition, and turned professional in after dropping out of and working briefly as a pizza maker. His early career included victories in regional promotions, where he captured the World Fighting Championship (WFC) and International Sport Combat Federation (ISCF) titles, compiling a strong record with ten knockouts and three submissions among his wins. He joined the renowned training camp in , in his late teens, which propelled him toward the UFC. Fili made his UFC debut on October 20, 2013, and as of November 2025, holds a professional record of 25 wins, 12 losses, and one no contest, with eight of his victories coming in the first round. Notable achievements include a win over in 2019, a victory against veteran in June 2024, and a win over Christian Rodriguez in August 2025, though he has faced setbacks such as a loss to in February 2024 and a submission defeat to Melquizael Costa in February 2025. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall with a 74-inch (188 cm) reach, Fili fights in an and is known for his aggressive, finish-oriented style. Beyond fighting, Fili pursues music as the frontman of the hip-hop and punk crossover band Born Breach, which he formed in 2019 and has released multiple projects through platforms like . He has also ventured into fashion with his own clothing line, blending his artistic interests with his athletic career.

Early Life and Background

Childhood in Federal Way

Andre Fili was born on June 25, 1990, in , with the full name Andre Riley Givens-Fili. Fili's early years were marked by a turbulent and home environment in Federal Way, characterized by frequent violence and chaos that provided little structure or stability for the young child. His parents' contentious relationship often escalated into physical confrontations, extending harm to Fili and his siblings, while his father's repeated incarcerations left the household under considerable strain managed primarily by his mother. This chaotic backdrop contributed to a challenging upbringing, exposing Fili to ongoing that influenced his formative experiences. During his youth, Fili participated in organized sports such as and soccer, activities common in the local community, but he struggled to form a meaningful connection with them, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm for structured team-based pursuits. These experiences highlighted his early disinterest in conventional athletic outlets, as they failed to capture his attention or provide the outlet he later sought. Fili's introduction to martial arts came around age 14 or 15, when he began training at local gyms in the Federal Way area, an encounter that ignited his enduring passion for combat sports and marked a pivotal shift in his interests. This initial exposure, building on earlier intrigue with during his high school years, offered a constructive path amid his personal challenges and set the foundation for his dedication to the discipline. In 2009, at the age of 19, Fili relocated to , to commit more seriously to MMA training by joining the renowned gym, a move that distanced him from his past environment and accelerated his development in the sport.

Family Dynamics and Heritage

Andre Fili's ethnic heritage reflects a blend of Samoan and Native Hawaiian roots, primarily traced through his family lineage. His father is of Samoan descent, contributing to Fili's strong background, while his overall ethnicity is described as Samoan and Hawaiian, with his mother's side providing the Native Hawaiian influence. Fili was raised primarily by his mother in a broken home marked by significant instability, as his father was frequently absent due to repeated incarcerations beginning in Fili's early childhood. This dynamic left his mother as the central caregiver, managing a strained by the father's intermittent returns, which often involved abusive toward the . The prolonged absences and underlying violence had a profound emotional toll on Fili, fostering deep-seated and that he later reflected on as a formative challenge in his personal growth. A pivotal moment in Fili's family dynamics came in 2019, when he reunited with his after a 17-year separation caused by the elder's . The had been released from just days before UFC on 13 in Sacramento, allowing him to attend Fili's fight against , where he watched from the crowd as his son secured a first-round victory. Fili described the reunion as emotionally overwhelming, noting it fired him up and symbolized a long-overdue sense of closure, with his mother and sister also present to support him. Following the , Fili's support system strengthened, with his becoming more involved in his life and offering encouragement that positively influenced his mindset both personally and professionally. This renewed connection helped Fili feel that aspects of his life were aligning, providing a stabilizing foundation amid his ongoing MMA career. Fili became a father in spring 2025, an experience he has described as providing new purpose and motivation greater than fighting itself.

Professional MMA Career

Pre-UFC Fights and Development

Andre Fili made his professional MMA debut on December 12, 2009, defeating Anthony Motley via first-round TKO (punches) at Gladiator Challenge: Chain Reaction in , . His next three professional bouts, all in under the Gladiator Challenge and Rebel Fighter promotions, also ended in finishes—against Cain Campos (first-round TKO punches), Justin Smitley (second-round TKO punches), and Tony Reveles (first-round KO head kick)—demonstrating his early striking prowess and finishing ability in regional circuits. These victories built a 4-0 start, with Fili competing primarily in divisions at events drawing local crowds. Fili suffered his first professional loss on October 2, 2010, to Derrick Burnsed via fifth-round TKO (knee injury) in a five-round main event at Rebel Fighter: Domination, halting his momentum but highlighting the physical demands of longer fights. Following this setback, he embarked on an eight-fight winning streak from 2011 to 2013 across promotions including Capitol Fighting Championships, West Coast Fighting Championships, Cage Combat FC, , and TPF, where he secured victories by decision, submission, and TKO. Notable examples include a over Strikeforce veteran Alexander Crispim on March 3, 2012, at Cage Combat FC: , and a over Wilson on November 15, 2012, at TPF 15: Collision Course, showcasing his evolving and power against seasoned regional opponents. During this period, Fili relocated to , and joined , where he refined his skill set under coaches like , integrating wrestling and to complement his striking base after approaching the team post his loss to Burnsed. This development proved pivotal, as his 11-1 professional record entering —reaching 12-1 after a third-round TKO of Adrian Diaz on May 3, —marked by finishes in seven of twelve wins, caught the attention of UFC talent scouts at regional events. Fili signed with the UFC in mid-, setting the stage for his promotional debut later that year.

UFC Tenure and Key Bouts

Andre Fili made his UFC debut on October 19, 2013, at against Jeremy Larsen, securing a technical knockout victory via punches in the second round at 0:53. This win marked his entry into the featherweight division, showcasing his aggressive striking early in the bout. Following this, Fili faced Felipe Arantes on October 25, 2014, at , where he earned a victory after three rounds, demonstrating improved cardio and volume striking to outpoint his opponent. He then suffered a submission loss to Godofredo Castro via in the first round on March 21, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 62. A highlight of his early tenure came on November 21, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 78 against , whom he defeated by KO (head kick and punches) in the first round at 3:13, earning a Performance of the Night bonus for the emphatic finish. Fili's mid-career featured notable ups and downs, including a significant loss to on April 26, 2014, at , where Holloway submitted him via in the third round at 3:39 after a competitive striking exchange in the earlier rounds. He was knocked out by Yair Rodriguez via head kick in the second round at 2:15 on April 23, 2016, at UFC 197. Fili rebounded with a win over Hacran Dias on October 1, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 96, but lost a to on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214. He then had a two-fight win streak, defeating by on October 21, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 118, and by on January 27, 2018, at UFC on 27. This period was interrupted by a loss to Michael Johnson on August 25, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 135. Fili responded with a victory over on February 17, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 1. Another key win came against on July 13, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 155, where Fili achieved a first-round KO with punches at 3:07, once again earning a Performance of the Night award. In recent years leading up to 2025, Fili's trajectory included mixed results, such as a unanimous decision loss to on January 18, 2020, at , and a split decision win over on June 13, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 10, followed by a unanimous decision loss to on October 31, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 181. He notched a no contest against Daniel Pineda on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 190 due to an accidental eye poke. Fili faced setbacks like a first-round TKO loss to Joanderson Brito on April 30, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 35, but rebounded with a split decision win over on September 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 210. He lost a unanimous decision to Nathaniel Wood on July 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 224, then secured a first-round TKO over Lucas Almeida on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296. More recently, Fili suffered a first-round knockout loss to on February 10, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 236, but bounced back with a split decision victory over on June 29, 2024, at UFC 303. He lost to Melquizael Costa via submission in the first round at 4:30 on February 22, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 252, before securing another split decision win over Christian Rodriguez on August 9, 2025, at UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, by scores of 29-28, 28-29, and 30-27 after a back-and-forth three-round affair. As of November 2025, Fili's UFC record stands at 13 wins, 11 losses, and one no contest, with a total time exceeding four hours at 4:23:33. Fighting from an with a 74-inch reach, Fili has emphasized striking throughout his career, accumulating 10 or TKO victories across his overall professional record, though only four in the UFC. His grappling defense has shown improvement over time, allowing him to survive attempts in several decision wins despite three submission losses in the . Fili's UFC tenure includes two two-fight win streaks, one in 2017-2018 (Lobov and Bermudez) and another in 2019 ( and Moraes). He ties for the most wins in UFC history with five, underscoring his ability to compete closely against ranked opponents.

Grappling and Awards

Grappling Matches

Andre Fili made his professional grappling debut on July 3, 2022, at Invitational 2, where he faced submission wrestling specialist Shane in a no-gi match at the in . secured an early single-leg takedown, advanced to mount, and attempted an arm-triangle choke before Fili escaped and briefly swept to regain top position. However, quickly reversed, transitioned to , and locked in a north-south choke for the submission victory at 4:55 of the match. Leading up to the event, Fili approached the bout as a low-pressure opportunity to refine his ground game outside the demands of MMA, training specifically in to adapt to the ruleset without strikes or positional penalties. He expressed a relaxed mindset, stating, "This competition is icing on the cake, it’s fun, it’s exciting," and emphasized his enjoyment of competition without fear of his opponent, a second-degree black belt. In post-match comments, Fili conveyed gratitude for the experience, reiterating it as a positive addition to his busy MMA schedule and a chance to test skills in a pure format. As of November 2025, he has not pursued additional professional grappling events, focusing instead on his UFC career. The match exposed areas for improvement in Fili's guard passing and submission defense, as Shapiro's quick transitions and pressure from top position overwhelmed his escapes despite initial resilience. Fili maintains a strong background, honed through training at , where it serves as a key component of his overall MMA skill set rather than a standalone pursuit.

Championships and Recognitions

Andre Fili has received two UFC Performance of the Night awards during his tenure in the promotion. The first came for his first-round technical knockout of via head kick and punches at UFC Fight Night 78 on November 21, 2015, in , . The second was awarded for his first-round rear-naked choke submission of at UFC on ESPN+ 13 on July 13, 2019, in . Fili earned one UFC Fight of the Night bonus for his victory over at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024, in , , a closely contested bout recognized for its back-and-forth action. In terms of statistical achievements, Fili has participated in 25 UFC bouts as of November 2025, ranking third all-time in the division for most appearances behind only and Chan Sung Jung. He also ties for the most wins in UFC history with five, including victories over (2018), (2020), (2022), (2024), and Christian Rodriguez (2025). Before entering the UFC, Fili secured a regional title in the West Coast Fighting Championships, defeating Jesse Bowen via first-round TKO (punches) in the main event on June 9, 2012, in . He also captured the International Sport Combat Federation (ISCF) title during his early professional career. He has not won any major world championships in MMA or competitions.

Personal Interests and Legacy

Music and Other Pursuits

Andre Fili, a self-taught musician who began recording tracks at age 12 or 13 using a handheld tape recorder with friends, has pursued music as a primary creative outlet since his youth, predating his MMA career. Raised on rap music before discovering punk rock, he fronts the hip-hop and punk crossover band Born Breach and is involved in the music arm of Outcasts & Underdogs (O&U), a collective he co-founded with childhood friends in eighth grade around 2003. His releases include a five-song EP titled Bad Vibes available on Spotify and three independent projects on Bandcamp, such as "Partys Over," reflecting influences from artists like Rage Against the Machine, Mac Miller, and Title Fight. As of 2022, Fili announced two additional songs produced by Will Yip, and he has plans for a solo hip-hop project, performing under the Born Breach moniker at events like the band's Sacramento debut in 2019. Fili integrates music into his MMA routine as a tool for mental preparation and emotional processing, using it to channel themes of resilience drawn from his challenging childhood in marked by drugs and . He has described songwriting as a way to transform personal pain and discontent into creative fuel, providing a low-stakes contrast to the high-pressure demands of fighting. Occasional live performances, such as Born Breach's early shows, serve as a release during his 15-plus-year MMA tenure, helping him maintain balance without professional music contracts, which he views as a passion project rather than a commercial venture. Beyond music, Fili advocates for awareness among fighters, openly sharing his own battles with mental illness in a 2022 podcast and a November 2025 Instagram post where he emphasized supporting peers through vulnerability. Drawing from family trials and his role as a father and coach, he teaches his children that is as vital as physical training, urging the MMA to check on one another despite its competitive nature. He remains deeply involved in Team Alpha Male's in Sacramento, where he has trained since 2009, crediting the gym's supportive environment for his growth and participating in its collaborative culture that aligns with O&U's ethos. O&U, formalized as a brand in 2015, blends his artistic interests with his athletic career through apparel reflecting resilience and unity. Fili regards as an essential outlet to prevent burnout from his demanding MMA career, stating, "Music is just fun… The consequences are not there. Fighting is my entire life," allowing him to sustain longevity without formal music deals as of 2025. Looking ahead, he aspires to expand his creative pursuits post-MMA, potentially focusing on production and solo projects to achieve excellence in artistry alongside fighting.

Impact on MMA

Andre Fili has demonstrated remarkable career in the UFC division, debuting on October 19, 2013, at and maintaining an active presence for over a decade by 2025. With an overall professional record of 25-12 (1 NC), including 13-11 (1 NC) in the UFC, Fili has shown durability by competing against elite competition despite setbacks, such as a loss to , and continuing to secure victories into his mid-30s, including a win over in June 2024. His sustained tenure, fueled by a deep passion for the sport—"I love this s**t," as he stated in 2023—positions him as a model of resilience in a division known for its high turnover. Fili's aggressive fighting style, characterized by a balanced integration of striking and honed at , has left a mark on the featherweight landscape. Nicknamed "Touchy" since and popularized by UFC broadcaster Olivi's 2012 tweet suggestion, the moniker reflects his quick-to-engage, clinch-oriented approach that emphasizes relentless pressure and transitions between stand-up and ground work. As a veteran of the Sacramento-based gym, Fili contributes to its legacy of developing fighters who blend explosive uppercuts and submissions like the flying triangle, influencing the next generation through shared training methodologies. In the featherweight division, Fili has served as a reliable , testing rising talents and top contenders while helping to elevate the competitive from regional scenes to the UFC spotlight. His bouts against high-profile opponents like Holloway have provided measuring-stick opportunities for emerging fighters, underscoring his role in maintaining the division's depth and intensity. Beyond the , Fili mentors at Sacramento gyms, drawing from his own journey of overcoming a violent upbringing—marked by witnessing domestic abuse and —to promote mental resilience and among fighters from similar tough backgrounds. This off-cage advocacy inspires peers to prioritize internal growth, as evidenced by his mindset shift that reignited his career. As of November 2025, Fili holds the #38 ranking in division per Tapology following a victory over Christian Rodriguez on August 9, 2025, signaling potential for a resurgence amid ongoing activity at age 35.

References

  1. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3074464/andre-fili
  2. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/andre-fili
  3. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andre-Fili-58385
  4. https://www.altpress.com/andre-fili-born-breach-interview/
  5. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/11328-andre-fili-dre-duke
  6. https://sports.yahoo.com/andre-fili-trades-in-violent-upbringing--favorite-food-for-shot-at-ufc-stardom-192620430.html
  7. https://www.federalwaymirror.com/sports/federal-way-born-ufc-fighter-looking-to-make-statement/
  8. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdog-Prospect-Watch-Andre-Fili-57839
  9. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-andre-fili-ethnicity-where-are-his-parents-from-fathers-prison-sentence-and-all-about-his-personal-life/
  10. https://dbpedia.org/page/Andre_Fili
  11. https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/24/20706341/andre-fili-reunited-with-father-before-best-night-of-his-ufc-career
  12. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Andre-Fili-Everything-Is-Coming-Together-After-Reunion-With-Father-Win-At-UFC-Sacramento-158547
  13. https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/andre-fili-reunites-with-father-after-17-years/
  14. https://www.ufc.com/news/andre-fili-return-of-the-prodigal-son-ufc-seattle-cejudo-vs-song
  15. https://cagesidepress.com/2025/08/09/andre-fili-on-fatherhoodits-the-first-time-in-my-life-that-somethings-cooler-than-fighting/
  16. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/3074464/andre-fili
  17. https://www.mmafighting.com/2013/10/20/4856944/after-impressive-ufc-debut-andre-touchy-fili-explains-nickname-and
  18. http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/8a1d8e1f9f3e4d8a
  19. http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/5b0cc074c657ebd4
  20. https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/4/26/5657222/ufc-172-results-max-holloway-finishes-andre-fili-in-final-round
  21. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Sacramento-Bonuses-Faber-Emmett-Fili-Martinez-Get-3650K-Performance-Checks-158377
  22. http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/abb6e2169ba580d2
  23. http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/8fd808923cffff82
  24. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/stats/_/id/3074464/andre-fili
  25. https://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=FTW
  26. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/668873-ufc-fight-pass-invitational-2-shane-shapiro-vs-andre-touchy-fili
  27. https://bloodyelbow.com/2022/07/06/ufc-fight-pass-invitational-2-results-team-pettis-wins-stacked-grappling-event/
  28. https://mixedmartialarts.com/news/andre-fili-relaxed-grappling-match-debut-ufc-fight-pass-invitational-2/
  29. https://www.ufc.com/news/andre-fili-feeling-relaxed-ahead-grappling-match-debut-ufc-fight-pass
  30. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/07/ufc-sacramento-bonuses-team-alpha-male-fighters-three-awards
  31. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2012/09/tachi-palace-14-teammates-anthony-avila-andre-fili-travel-together-on-road-to-ufc
  32. https://www.fightingartshealthlab.com/andre-fili/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As-LI3ZF0Ow
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnrdOMyH2c4
  35. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQvERjKjfFv/
  36. https://www.outcastsunderdogs.com/about-o-u
  37. https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/8/24/17774810/andre-fili-says-michael-johnson-broke-in-featherweight-debut-and-ufc-lincoln-will-be-no-different
  38. https://www.fightersonlymag.com/latest-news/andre-fili-shares-the-secret-to-his-10-year-ufc-tenure-i-love-this-st/
  39. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-andre-fili-nickname-what-is-the-meaning-behind-the-ufc-stars-moniker/
  40. https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/9/26/23365615/andre-fili-change-in-mentality-led-to-ufc-vegas-60-win-im-at-a-place-where-i-actually-love-myself
  41. https://www.ufcstats.com/fighter-details/8fd808923cffff82
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.