American Top Team Hires Former WEC Featherweight Champ Mike Thomas Brown as Assistant Coach

“Mike recently had his second neck (fusion) surgery and 10th surgery overall. At age 37, it is a perfect time for Mike to look forward, beyond his fight career, and stay part of something he truly has a passion for and loves,” the release stated. “Regarding Mike’s fight career, he will see how his rehab goes and take it one day at a time. He hasn’t ruled out fighting in the future.”

According to the release, Brown will take on a myriad of responsibilities, from day-to-day coaching to traveling to cornering ATT fighters.

“It’s always great when you can hire from within your team. We feel fortunate to have someone with Mike’s credentials on board, to help build and grow our next generation of fighters,” the release stated. “Mike brings with him great knowledge and insight to the game from his years on the mat to his 34 professional MMA fights. He will be a welcome addition to the team.”

Brown began his pro career in 2001 and made his World Extreme Cagefighting debut in 2008, outpointing Jeff Curran to earn a crack at Urijah Faber's featherweight title. Brown wasted no time in taking out “The California Kid,” earning a technical knockout in 2:23 to lift the title from around Faber's waist. The Maine native defended the belt twice before losing it to Jose Aldo in 2009.

Brown made his UFC debut in 2004 and returned to the promotion last year after the WEC's dissolution, dropping decisions to Diego Nunes and Rani Yahya. The 37-year-old responded with a pair of victories, however, besting Nam Phan last summer and then Daniel Pineda this past May at UFC 146 to earn his 26th career victory.