Dustin William Pague, born on August 5, 1987, is an American fighter with a diverse combat sports background. He has competed in mixed martial arts (MMA), professional boxing, and bare-knuckle fighting. This article delves into his career, highlighting his MMA record, UFC stint, and transition to bare-knuckle boxing.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Pague began boxing at the age of 15. He graduated from Central Dauphin East High School and attended Harrisburg Area Community College before ultimately earning a degree. In late 2008, after a successful 7-4 amateur career, Pague decided to turn professional.
Professional MMA Debut
Pague's pro debut took place on October 11, 2008, against Jon Owens. The fight was contested at Featherweight instead of Lightweight, where Pague spent the entirety of his amateur career. Dustin Pague lost to Jon Owens by KO/TKO at 0:18 of Round 1. Two months after the loss, Pague returned against John Myers. He built up another winning streak that earned him a title shot for the vacant Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship. The fight marked the first time Pague fought at Bantamweight.
The Ultimate Fighter and UFC Career
In 2011, Pague had signed with the UFC to compete on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller. In the first episode, Pague fought Tateki Matsuda and won via majority decision (19-19, 20-18, 20-18) after two close rounds. The win gained Pague entry into the Ultimate Fighter house. Pague next fought against Team Bisping's top Bantamweight pick, Louis Gaudinot. In the semi-finals Pague fought and lost to T.J. Dillashaw.
Pague officially made his UFC debut on December 3, 2011 at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale losing to John Albert via TKO in the first round. Since his debut, Pague has gone on to fight a total of 6 more times in the UFC.
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UFC Fights
- December 3, 2011: Lost to John Albert via TKO in the first round at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.
- Pague has fought 6 times in the UFC.
In his first post-UFC fight, Pague faced D'Juan Owens at The Victorium: Episode 3 on July 12, 2014. Pague's last win came against Charlie Gathers at WCC 13 on Friday March 20, 2015. Pague's last loss came against Anthony Morgan at WCC 14 on Friday September 4, 2015.
Transition to Boxing and Bare Knuckle Fighting
Pague is currently a professional boxer after announcing his switch from MMA in January 2016. Pague had suffered several back injuries throughout his career and decided to return to boxing and from there bare-knuckle fighting.
Dustin "The Disciple" Pague Interview By Big Boy BKFC Fight Night NY 2 ~ Bare Knuckle Fighting
Bare Knuckle Fighting Career
He has faced a solid competition level thus far in his BK stint and got his first main event against Carlos Trinidad-Snake in Omaha, May 17, 2024. Pague most recently fought Eddie Hoch at BKFC Fight Night on Saturday March 12, 2022.
Dustin Pague BKFC Fight Record:
- Hoch vs Pague - March 12, 2022
- Pague vs Young - November 6, 2021
- Pague vs Elmore - September 29, 2023
- Pague vs Johnson - May 12, 2023
- Trinidad-Snake vs Pague - May 17, 2024
- Pague vs Angelcor - March 21, 2025
- Pague vs Petersen - July 25, 2025
- Lane vs Pague - January 17, 2026
Personal Life
Dustin Pague is a devout Christian, as his tattoos and nickname would hint. He and his wife have created a nice family together and they all support each other in their endeavors. Look for a dangerous yet calculated style from the finisher and whether he’s ending the fight in the first round or going the distance, he’s an equal threat from bell to bell.
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