5 UFC fighters who overcame addiction

#1. Matt 'The Immortal' Brown

UFC Fight Night: Matt Brown vs. Dhiego Lima

Matt Brown has struggled with drugs and alcohol for many years. At a young age, he grew up in a small town of approximately 200 people, where he experimented with various drugs, including meth and heroin. He was fueled by cocaine in the initial days of his MMA career. The type of drug was irrelevant to Brown, who would partake in anything back then. There was a time when he drank and partied competitively. His obsessive tendencies sometimes got the better of him and caused a handful of low moments in his life.

Brown is another example of being saved by mixed martial arts. The combat sport granted him another chance and diverted his focus. At 41 years old, Brown still doesn't plan to retire.

He lost his last fight to Bryan Barberena in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, via split decision. Brown believes he won the first two rounds of the match. The back-and-forth brawl had the potential to win a fight of the night bonus and both fighters have already agreed to a rematch.