Bio
NAME: Houston Alexander
NICKNAME: The Assassin
WEIGHT CLASS: Heavyweight
AGE / Date of Birth: 35 / 3/22/72
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6.0′ / 205
REACH: 28″
BIRTHPLACE: East St. Louis
FIGHTING OUT OF: Omaha, Nebraska
STYLE: Wrestling, Muay Thai
TRAINER: Mick Doyle, Curly Alexander
STRENGTHS: Punching power, athleticism, Overall strength
PROFESSIONAL MMA RECORD: 8-1
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY OF TRAINING: I lift weights early in the morning. During the lunch hours I meet with Coach Alexander and work wrestling technique, and extreme old school conditioning. The afternoons are spent with Mick Doyle at the Muay Thai gym working submissions, stand up technique, pad rounds, conditioning and sparring.
Q&A
Thoughts on opponent, Keith Jardine?
He is a solid determined fighter and I am looking forward to the fight.
When and why did you start training for fighting?
I started because I love to fight and love competition, but I felt that the ring and Octagon would be a better test for my skill. The gym keeps me disciplined and shows my kids that there is a time and a place to fight, and why it is important to stay disciplined, healthy and focused
What ranks and titles have you held?
2004 Gladiator Championship Light heavyweight division champion.
Do you have any heroes?
My mother and Grandmother because of the values and code of conduct that they instilled in me. They taught me that discipline would help me to never give up until I got what I wanted.
What is your favorite technique?
I like to lift people off their feet and slam them into the ground and strike away!
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC?
It is the best level that I can test myself at. I want to bring back the excitement to the Octagon of guys who are just raw and tough and hungry to win.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?
No
What was your job before you started fighting?
Radio Broadcasting and community activist.
Houston Alexander, a.k.a. Scrib 1972 has acted as somewhat of an ambassador for Omaha hip-hop, seeking to project the positive nature and true essence of the culture. Alexander has been practicing art since the age of 13. He was first exposed to graffiti art in 1985 after watching the film “Beat Street.” He was immediately interested in the graffiti he saw in the film. Alexander became one of the best graffiti artists in town, honing his skills on abandoned buildings and trains. Soon afterwards, he helped form the Scribble Cru with several classmates. The Scribble Cru was responsible for many of the most-recognized murals in North Omaha, including ones for Leola’s and Mad Dads.
During this time, he began working with youth for the first time, giving positive speeches about staying in school and away from drugs and gangs. This passion to work with kids continues today, as he teaches kids B-boying in a class called the “School of Moves” at Butler-Gast YMCA, and visits schools with the “Culture Shock School Tour,” which he developed, and teaches kids about the positive nature of hip-hop.
Alexander also made a name for himself with his dancing skills. He became hooked on B-boying after watching “Flashdance.” He then formed the Alliance All-Stars, a dance group that performed on street corners in the Old Market and around the city. The Alliance All-Stars also developed classes to teach the fundamentals of hip-hop dancing. The group opened for a number of acts on their stops in Omaha, including Salt-N-Pepa and Tone Loc. Throughout the years, Alexander has been involved in many aspects of the Omaha hip-hop scene. Alexander continues to contribute to the local hip-hop scene. He co-created “Fresh Fest,” in 2000, an annual hip-hop competition and showcase.These days on Sunday nights, listeners tuning into his show on Omaha’s Power 106.9 know him as Strong Arm.
For the past seven years he’s participated in mix martial arts having over 200 fights. Recently he joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship which is the largest mix martial arts organization in the world. After winning his first fight with the UFC Houston is currently ranked one of the top fighters in his weight class in the world. As a headliner in the UFC he fights a few times a year in the Octagon as “The Assassin.” It’s a name he earned fighting his way through the bush leagues of mixed martial arts on his way to the big show.Houston Alexander, a teacher, a artist, a fighter, and most importantly a proud single parent raising six children on his own.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Yo! HOMESKILLET! YOU ARE DA-MAN!!! WHEN BE THE TITLE SHOT!!! SHOW THOSE BERUTS HOW TO FIGHT PLAYER!
September 19th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
ite man im phil ure number 1 fan than from england in the uk ive watched both ure ufc fights and just wana say i have been watchin ufc for 3 years now and have been waiting for someone like you to come along who is ruthless and just beats the crap out of people for joke ure deffo gona be champion soon ure my new idol and my favorite fighter can wait to see u kick ass again
September 24th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Houston - Nebraska is in the Building! Awesome UFC debut fights. Keep working hard and Keep the up the Passion! Be sure to fight great, and then the checks will come. The best paid fighters are Ambassadors of the Sport, as well as great fighters. With great respect - JCROW
September 25th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
The second fight was even better than the first! Congratulations on another WIN my friend, we’re looking forward to you having many more…I can’t wait until the next fight! Thanks for signing my UFC hat at the Fox & Hound out west, it’s probably going to be worth big money soon. It was also great meeting and talking with you, you are very down to earth and no bullshit. Later
September 26th, 2007 at 9:40 am
I’m relatively new to watching UFC, but I have seen your last two fights and would have to say , without question, you are ready to get that title shot. With Jardine beating Liddell, I would hope that you should get your due as the man that knocked Jardine on his a$$ and get a high profile fight, as well. Good luck.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
I hope your fighting really soon, I really like your first two fight. I think you will have your shoot for the title soon. one more big fight with Forest or Wanderlei or Machida and it’s your turn. Keep up the good work and good luck !
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Houston, what’s up brother, keep up the good work and put that UFC Light Heavyweight Belt around your waist. Focus on what’s important bro, and that’s who’s on the other side of the Octagon. You can do it. Walk through them all bro.
October 4th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Cant wait to see you fight in November . You havent been in the UFC very long , but i think you are ready for that title shot . You have my respect already .
October 8th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Houston man, im gonna be at the Jersey PPV next month, and though silva is a good opponent, i hope u knock him da F. out. I know that u have been in mma for a very long time, and i most certainly dont question your skillz. But i hop that if he takes you down (which he wont) ur ground game is just as strong as ur stand up.
Good Luck !!
October 8th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Your two performances were simply outstanding.
October 11th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Just wanted to congratulate you on your AWESOME entry into the UFC!!! Keep up the good work, look forward to seeing you soon, and thanks for being an honest, to the core FIGHTER.
October 15th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Hey I’m another massive fan of yours from the UK. Loved your first fight and everything you’ve said about it. Told everyone to look out for you at the gym then couldn’t believe my luck when you got matched up at 02 arena in london which I had tickets for. Bet on you to win first round and you did. HAHA Really hope you carry this on man! GOOD LUCK!!!
October 15th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Houston, Heres a little video that i put together
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCwfzNrIDj0
Good luck on the upcoming fight
~~King from SoDAK~~
October 17th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Hi, just want to say that your first two fights have been incredible and Jardine should be embarrassed. What especially annoys me is that the UFC gave him a match against the former champion after not just losing, but being destroyed. I guess they wanted to hand Liddell a rope but it didn’t work out, which really leaves them stuck. Anyway, you deserve a title shot soon and I think The Assassin vs. Rampage would make an excellent PPV. Good luck with Thaigo Silva and I hope it’s as exciting as your previous fights.
October 17th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Keep dominating, You are one of the few fighters that represent everything good about MMA.
October 21st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
HEY, HOUSTON… I WAS YOUR SECURITY SCREENER AT THE CINCINNATI AIRPORT EARLY THIS AM. I THOUGHT YOU LOOKED FAMILIAR, BUT I WASNT SURE. SO GLAD TO SEE YOU IN PERSON! GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOUR ENDEAVORS. PS.. U ARE A QT!!
October 23rd, 2007 at 4:55 pm
houston , you are intense haha ive never seen anyone take it to jardine like that before , .. i`m impressed and im looking forward to seeing you fight in 78 against silva
October 27th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Keep the excitement coming unleashing fury in the UFC. It’s rare to find a fighter like Alexander who brings it in the ring the way he does and is so positive in other peoples lives. I had the privlidge in meeting Houston in Cinci at UFC 77 and what a down to earth cool dude. He took time out to hang with everybody. Clarksville Fire is rooting for THE ASSASSIN.
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:01 am
I’ve seen your two UFC fights, and I’ve never seen such inside power in a fighter before. Your shot at the belt will come soon, I hope, because you have proved yourself to all MMA fans that you are a tough mf’er. I’d love to see you kick Tito Ortiz’s ass!
November 7th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I have been watching the UFC since back in the day when it was tournament style. It has been a long time since I’ve seen someone fight with such focused aggression. Your style is so exciting and your opponents look nervous before the fights even start. From everything I’ve read about you, you also seem to be an awesome role model for everyone looking up to you. With all the jerks in sports, it’s refreshing to see someone kick ass and do it the right way. Good luck against Silva, but I feel he’s the one that going to need the luck.
November 7th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Hey Big Houston .. Just wanted to give a BIG V-UP … im out in jersey and seen you were headed this way … Show em how the midwest handles there biz … From North O to Jersey you got love out here KID … Rock em !@ V-UP !!!!
November 10th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
my favourite light heavyweight fighter win at ufc 78 and show em that you deserve that tittle shot
November 11th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Hey, Whats the chances of me getting one of those tight shirts for free!!, C’mon I’m poor as dirt and you are the man!! Someone buy one for me, I’m freaking begging over here!
November 12th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
awsome fights man cant wait to see you and rapage bang. ………on another note have you thought about going to speak at east st louis high school. those kids are in deep trouble and need a beacon to guid them
November 13th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Hey I just seen the way you train dude you are in the best shape……Im former military /insiring firefighter, and from what is seen those workouts are good for any kind of demanding job .Keep up the good work , you got a lot of heart in the cage ,and outside taking care of 6,6 kids by yourself..you the man.
January 16th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
I saw your first fight against jardine and i became an instant fan. When are you going to come out with some apparel? Good luck in the Octagon, can’t wait to see you fuck somebody up again
February 13th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Just bought tickets to your fight in denver. Should be the main event.
February 26th, 2008 at 8:06 am
What’s up Houson?! I knew by the looks of things you were gonna smash Jardine, great follow up performance against Sakara. I knew Thiago was going to be a great test, I think after you sort Irvin out you will be right back on track with all the momentum you started with. I was an instant fan from when I saw you at the weigh in’s against Jardine. I train muay thai and compete at an amature level here in Canada, if your ever heading up this way let me know I have left my email address. Would love to chat with you and here your outlooks and opinions on your business. Good luck with everything!
February 29th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Wow! I’d say you’re at peace with yourself ;~}
You sound like such an amazing person with serious deepth…
I’m kinda touched actually. lol
Would love to know more…
Chauntel
March 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
hey houston, i met you at the arnold classic on saturday. just wanted to tell you you’re the nicest,most down to earth fighter i’ve ever met and it was a pleasure meeting you. hope you kick Irvin’s ass. email me if you put any t shirts on your site. thanks man. take care and good luck
March 9th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
seems like the hype around you has lowered, which is good and helps you concentrate on fighters that are standing on your way to success. Surely hope that the MMA part of your bio will extend greatly over the years.
Wishing all the best! Keep the punch strong!
Mardo from Estonia
March 28th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Yo bro, I am a big fan of Nebraska and when times are down right know you have picked things up. Silva got lucky, Jardine saw what the real deal was like. Look forward to seeing you hit up the octagon later. Peace out scrib
March 30th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Cant wait to see ya knock the “Sandman” out on April 2nd. Again, a huge honor and pleasure to meet you at the Arnold. You made my other half Stacey a very happy girl that day. She, like myself is a huge fan of yours. I appreciate how hard you have worked to get where your at today. You deserve it. I hope to see some ground game in your future (I know, I know, your not Superman lol). Take it one day at a time and it will come. It took me 4 1/2 years to earn my blue belt with red tips in Korean Tae Kwan Do. I dont practice martial arts anymore because of a torn ACL but I enjoy giving help to the younger kids that love the sport of MMA. Take care and hope to hear from ya soon.
Shane McKnight
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
houston is the shit he is my a faverit fighter because he comes from ohaha and because of the fact that he is very good
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:37 am
THat fight was bullshit more UFC bullshit………….They think we aint watching, but we are…you know what im saying.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:33 am
man, what happened??? do you still have a fight remeaining in your contract at UFC? i wish you comeback strong. im your fan & im still with you.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
You’re the man, Houston! That TKO against Sandman was cheap, they should’ve let you go on. Now my friends are making fun of my “favorite fighter” getting knocked out, but that’s because they don’t know your true potential! Keep pushin’, bud.
May 24th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I see your birthplace is from East St. Louis. How long did you live there before moving to Omaha?
May 30th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Looking forward to seeing you get back in the game Houston. Been a massive fan of yours since you smashed Keith Jardine, someone I consider a very tough fighter, but you just went through him. You’re fight with Irvin was a robbery of a stoppage, sure you fell down, but you clearly weren’t out; like you said, you’re arms were still up. I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t have had their head fall back a little if they had someone like Irvin punching them, an experienced referee should have understood that. I’d hate to see that put you off MMA, you’ve always been a big inspiration to me, the way you’ve raised you’re family by yourself, how you fight to support them, and most importantly, how you gave your kidney to save your daughters life. A happy homelife is something so many people take for granted, and it really blew me away when I saw how much you did for your family, it’s great to see someone fight for something other than greed for money and fame or whatever. You’re easily one of my favourite fighters, can’t wait to see another big win from you sometime soon.
July 9th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
hey man whats with all the nuthuggers u got KTFO!!! by irvin fair and square.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
is it true u only have one kidney and if so how do u pass your physical.. im an amatuer fighter in kansas and the revoked my licence for only having one kidney.. so what can i do for that ?
September 19th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I love to see you fight man! Can’t wait to see you win again. Are you training Jits yet?
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I am fairly confident you don’t actually visit this site and read the comments, most fighters don’t, but I’ll try anyways.
You have a lot of power on your feet but if you don’t take some BJJ you won’t be a top-level fighter in the UFC. I think you are in the perfect position and have what it takes to do something spectacular because of your intense power. Work on your guard, get some submission defense, and learn some hip escapes so you can keep the fight standing where you have your power.
Good luck!
June 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Houston, I’ve been waiting on your return to the Octogon, what’s the scoop bro? Hope your training and doing great; take care of them kids and show em that Daddy is a champ in and out of the UFC. Peace bro.