TUF 31: Who is Hunter Azure?

Who is Hunter Azure?

The Ultimate Fighter is not just a place for up-and-coming mixed martial artists to climb up the ladder toward the UFC. The show also serves as a u-turn signal for fighters who got in but parted ways with the organization.

That is the case for 31-year-old Hunter Azure. Coming out of Fight Ready MMA in Glendale, AZ, Azure has 13 (10-3) fights under his belt, four of which took place in the UFC, where Azure competed from 2019-2021. He would have had five fights in the UFC if not for the cancelation of his bout against Umar Nurmagomedov in 2020.

A native of Montana, Azure attended Montana State University-Northern on a wrestling scholarship. Being a four-time Class-B champion in high school, Azure found some success in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) while pursuing a degree in industrial technology.

MMA career and getting cut from the UFC

As an amateur, Azure had an 8-1 record, with only one win by decision. He rode this momentum to the pros as he quickly stacked five wins in the regional scene. His fourth and fifth wins happened in Legacy Fight Alliance (LFA) before getting his opportunity to fight in Dana White's Contender Series.

Unfortunately, Azure's ability to finish opponents in the amateurs did not translate well in the professional ranks. A nod from the judges granted him entry to the top flight, but Azure was not as impressive upon his arrival, winning two fights by decision and losing the other two via a TKO and split decision. The UFC decided to cut Azure from the roster in 2021.

With fights in iKON FC and Fusion Fight League, Azure is 1-1 since leaving the UFC. Now a second run with the promotion is within his grasp through TUF.