Newton wrestled and played football, as a defensive end at North High School (Torrance, California).
Despite having lost his first two bouts against Brian Ebersole and Tim McKenzie respectively, he has fought for WEC once on August 20, 2004, against André Mussi, getting then his first victory via unanimous decision after three rounds.
Newton faced former UFC fighter David Heath on his debut for the title shot of the Light Heavyweight division.
[11][12][13] Newton was expected to face Ryan Jimmo again on April 8, 2011, at MFC 29 for the Light Heavyweight Championship.
In late 2011 he defeated UFC and K-1 veteran James McSweeney for Superior Cage Combat and closing a sequence of five consecutive victories, he signed with Bellator.
[18] In the semifinals, Newton defeated former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed Lawal on February 21, 2013, at Bellator 90 via KO due to a spinning back fist.
However, due to Vegh getting injured, Newton instead had a rematch against Muhammed Lawal for the Bellator Interim Light Heavyweight Championship.
[22] He won the fight via split decision to become the current unified Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion.
[23] He won the fight in the third round due to a spinning back fist, the second time he has landed in his Bellator career.
For the third defense of his title, Newton faced Liam McGeary on February 27, 2015, in the main event at Bellator 134.
Days after the fight, it was revealed that Newton had tested positive for Marijuana and was subsequently issued a three-month suspension by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulations.
Newton faced UFC veteran Nikita Krylov on October 13, 2017, at Fight Nights Global 77.