Hunter Azure

Hunter Dean Azure (born March 2, 1992) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background
Azure was born on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Poplar, Montana, and went on to attend Poplar High School, where he was a four-time Class-B MHSA state champion as a wrestler. He then wrestled at the Montana State University–Northern, where he earned a degree in industrial technology.

Early career
Azure spent most of his early career in regional Western American promotions, most notably fighting in the Legacy Fighting Alliance. During this time he compiled an undefeated 6–0 record.

Dana White's Contender Series
He was eventually invited to the Dana White's Contender Series 19. On July 9, 2019, he faced fellow undefeated prospect Chris Ocon, defeating him via unanimous decision and in the process gaining a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Azure made his promotional debut against The Ultimate Fighter 27 Featherweight Tournament winner Brad Katona on September 14, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje. He won the bout by unanimous decision.

Azure was scheduled to face Umar Nurmagomedov on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249. However, the event was then postponed.

Azure faced Brian Kelleher on May 13, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira. He lost the fight via knockout in the second round. This bout earned both participants the Fight of the Night award.

Azure faced Cole Smith on September 5, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Sakai. He won by unanimous decision.

Azure faced Jack Shore on April 10, 2021, at UFC on ABC: Vettori vs. Holland. He lost the bout via split decision.

On March 1, 2022, it was announced that Azure was released from UFC.

Post UFC
Azure made his first appearance post release at iKON FC 2 on March 18, 2022, against Keith Richardson. He lost the bout via rear-naked choke in the second round.

Azure faced Ben Hollier at Fusion Fight League: Boise on October 15, 2022, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

Azure next faced Amun Cosme at United Fight League 4 for the vacant UFL Bantamweight title on April 17, 2024. He would win the fight via second round technical knockout.

The Ultimate Fighter 31
In mid March 2023, it was announced that Azure would be competing in the thirty-first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

In the quarterfinal Azure faced Rico DiSciullo. after a strong performance in the first round, he lost the fight in the second round by knock out.

Personal life
Hunter and his fiancée Sage have a son, Wilder (born 2020). He is the son of Howard and Deb Azure and has three siblings: Dustyn, Autumn, and Ashley. He is a native American, being an enrolled member of the Assiniboine and Sioux people on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Fight of the Night (one time) vs. Brian Kelleher