Ilir “The Sledgehammer”Latifi

Ilir Latifi is an Albanian-Swedish mixed martial artist currently competing in the light heavyweight division of the UFC. Born Ilir Rexhepi on April 8, 1983 in Tirana, Albania, he started his martial arts career at a young age with judo and wrestling before transitioning to MMA in 2007. Throughout his career, Latifi has competed in multiple promotions such as Bellator Fighting Championships (BFC) and Cage Warriors Fighting Championship (CWFC). He was also an alternate for The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen.

Latifi made his professional MMA debut on May 18th 2007 with a win over Mikael Silander at Valhallacupen 4 by submission due to strikes. After compiling 4 wins over his first 4 fights while competing primarily in Sweden’s local circuits, Latifi signed with Bellator FC and went on to win 2 more fights via TKO & KO giving him a 6-0 record before signing with CWFC where he would eventually become their Light Heavyweight champion after winning 3 consecutive fights all by way of unanimous decision against Mike Neun, Ryan Jimmo and Karlos Vemola respectively.

In 2013 Ilir signed with the UFC as part of their European series where he quickly became known for huge power punches which allowed him to finish opponents early; particularly when fighting out of the clinch or backed up against the cage – two areas that have become staples of his fight style since joining UFC . So far throughout this tenure he’s gone 8-5 overall including notable wins over fighters like Ovince St Preux & Tyson Pedro among others.
He’s also earned himself numerous award nominations such as ‘Fighter Of The Night’ honors from most recent bout vs Corey Anderson which resulted in yet another impressive display from Mr Latifi who won via Unanimous Decision after dominating every round throughout 5 full minutes worth of action earning him accolades media coverage across multiple countries worldwide

Although often overshadowed by other star athletes within the same weight class given both current reigning champion Jon Jones & contender Anthony Smith hail from same weight class; It should not be overlooked that Ilir Latify is still one of top contenders within light heavyweight division , equipped not only talent & power but great technique knowledge as well allowing him keep pace even if faced off against tougher opposition ensuring fans can expect some entertaining show no matter what night comes around next time we get see Mr Liatifis inside octagon