Travis Fulton, known as MMA’s iron man for a dazzling number of professional fights, was found dead Saturday, apparently by his own hand.
While an autopsy remains pending and the death is still under investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, authorities confirmed they found Fulton’s body in a “dormitory-style cell” at the Linn County Jail. Fulton appeared to have hanged himself.
Iowa’s The Gazette was among the first to report the news.
Fulton, 44, had been arrested and jailed earlier this year on child porn and felony sexual exploitation charges, based on allegations he communicated with girls online who were under the age of 18.
None of the allegations had been proven in court, although according to authorities, Fulton had agreed to a plea deal. Fulton had initially plead not guilty to the charges. While Fulton’s locale was described as a “dormitory-style cell,” the Sheriff’s office did not confirm whether any potential witnesses or cell mates were in the vicinity at the time of the incident. During a routine cell check, Fulton was found unresponsive Saturday morning.
As a mixed martial artist, Fulton’s career was a matter of quantity over quality. The Iowa native had an astonishing 255–54–10 (1NC) record, and competed as recently as 2019, earning a victory over Shannon Ritch. While his career had slowed in recent years, Fulton had shared the cage with the likes of Sergey Spivak, Andrei Arlovski, and Ben Rothwell, all active members of the UFC roster at the moment. He earned wins over Joe Riggs, Wesley “Cabbage” Correira, and Heath Herring.
In 1999, Fulton made two appearances for the UFC, going 1-1 inside the octagon.
