Eric Benjamin Spicely (born September 29, 1986)[3] is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler competing in the middleweight division. A professional competitor since 2012, he formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, RFA, CES MMA and was a Light Heavyweight contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia.

Eric Spicely
BornEric Benjamin Spicely
(1986-09-29) September 29, 1986 (age 38)
Stoughton, Massachusetts, United States
Other namesZebrinha
ResidenceOlneyville, Rhode Island
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st)
DivisionMiddleweight
Light Heavyweight
Welterweight
Reach73 in (185 cm)
Fighting out ofOlneyville, Rhode Island, United States
TeamTristar Gym (2017–present)[1]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Tim Burrill[2]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total22
Wins13
By knockout4
By submission7
By decision2
Losses9
By knockout5
By submission3
By decision1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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Spicely was raised primarily by his grandmother in New York state. Prior to his career in MMA, Spicely was a professional wrestler, and was also a talented skateboarder.[4] Trained as a professional wrestler by Biff Busick, he competed for Beyond Wrestling often teaming with Chuck O'Neil and Matt Riddle.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Spicely compiled an amateur record of 2–1 before turning professional in 2013, competing exclusively for CES MMA in his native Rhode Island.

He compiled an undefeated record of 8–0 before being added as one of the 16 Light Heavyweight fighters invited to the cast The Ultimate Fighter 23.[6]

He won his entry fight against Kenneth Bergh via first round submission. Next up, he defeated Elias Urbina via unanimous decision. In the semifinals, he was eliminated from the competition by eventual season winner Andrew Sanchez by knockout in the first round.[7]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Spicely made his promotional debut against Sam Alvey on July 13, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 91.[8] He lost the fight via submission in first round.[9]

Spicely next faced Thiago Santos on September 24, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 95.[10] In a large upset, he won the fight by submission in the first round.[11] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[12]

Spicely faced Alessio Di Chirico on January 28, 2017, at UFC on Fox 23.[13] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[14]

Spicely faced Antônio Carlos Júnior on June 3, 2017, at UFC 212.[15] He lost the fight by submission due to a rear-naked choke in the second round.[16]

Spicely fought Gerald Meerschaert on December 1, 2017, at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale.[17] He lost the bout via TKO in the second round.[18]

Spicely faced Darren Stewart on May 27, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 130.[19] He lost the fight via technical knock out in the second round.[20]

On August 14, 2018, it was announced that Spicely was released from UFC.[21]

Post-UFC career

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Spicely was expected to face Stephen Regman at CES 54 on January 19, 2019.[22] Regman withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Leo Pla. Spicely won the bout via TKO in the first round.[23]

Return to UFC

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On the heels of two first round finishes on the regional circuit, Spicely was re-signed by the promotion for four fights and tabbed as a short notice replacement against promotional newcomer Deron Winn on June 22, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 154.[24][25] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[26] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[27]

Spicely was scheduled to face Brendan Allen on October 18, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 6.[28] However, Spicely was forced to withdraw from the event for undisclosed reason.[29]

Spicely was scheduled to face Punahele Soriano on March 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik.[30] However, Soriano was removed from the card for undisclosed reasons and replaced by Roman Kopylov.[31] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed .[32]

Spicely was scheduled to face Markus Perez on August 1, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan.[33] However, Spicely was removed from the fight (and subsequently released from the promotion) on the day of the event's weigh-in for health issues related to his weight cut.[34][35]

Taura MMA

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In late August 2020, Spicely signed with Taura MMA and scheduled to make his debut on November 22, 2020.[36] However, due to hardships with COVID-19 restrictions the event was postponed.[37]

Other regional circuit

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Spicely next faced Rinat Fakhretdinov at UAE Warriors 15 on January 15, 2021.[38] He lost the fight via first-minute knockout.[39]

Spicely faced Marcin Naruszczka at OKTAGON 24 on May 29, 2021. He lost the fight via technical knockout in the second round.[40]

Spicely faced Zdenek Polivka at OKTAGON 28 on September 25, 2021. He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[41]

Awards and recognition

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Mixed martial arts

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
22 matches 13 wins 9 losses
By knockout 4 5
By submission 7 3
By decision 2 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 13–9 Justin Sumter Submission (neck crank) CES 75 October 20, 2023 1 2:32 Ledyard, Connecticut, United States Return to Light Heavyweight. Spicely missed weight (207 lbs).
Win 13–8 Nikola Zlatev Submission (twister) FABRIQ MMA 2 February 25, 2023 1 0:54 Nitra, Slovakia
Loss 12–8 Zdenek Polivka TKO (punches) OKTAGON 28 September 25, 2021 1 1:22 Prague, Czech Republic
Loss 12–7 Marcin Naruszczka TKO (punches) OKTAGON 24 May 29, 2021 2 2:25 Brno, Czech Republic Catchweight (194 lb) bout.
Loss 12–6 Rinat Fakhretdinov KO (punch) UAE Warriors 15 & EFC 32 January 15, 2021 1 0:55 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Loss 12–5 Deron Winn Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Korean Zombie June 22, 2019 3 5:00 Greenville, South Carolina, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 12–4 Caio Magalhães TKO (punches) CES 55 March 29, 2019 1 4:00 Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Win 11–4 Leo Pla TKO (punches) CES 54 January 19, 2019 1 3:53 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States
Loss 10–4 Darren Stewart TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Till May 27, 2018 2 1:47 Liverpool, England
Loss 10–3 Gerald Meerschaert TKO (body kick) The Ultimate Fighter: A New World Champion Finale December 1, 2017 2 2:18 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 10–2 Antônio Carlos Júnior Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 212 June 3, 2017 2 3:49 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 10–1 Alessio Di Chirico Submission (triangle choke) UFC on Fox: Shevchenko vs. Peña January 28, 2017 1 2:14 Denver, Colorado, United States
Win 9–1 Thiago Santos Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Cyborg vs. Lansberg September 24, 2016 1 2:58 Brasília, Brazil Performance of the Night.
Loss 8–1 Sam Alvey Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker July 13, 2016 1 2:43 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Win 8–0 Aaron Johnson Decision (unanimous) CES MMA 31 October 30, 2015 3 5:00 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States
Win 7–0 Harley Beekman Submission (armbar) CES MMA 29 June 12, 2015 1 4;40 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Return to Middleweight.
Win 6–0 Kevin Haley Submission (heel hook) CES MMA 27 January 30, 2015 1 2:26 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
Win 5–0 Nuri Shakur TKO (punches and elbows) CES MMA 25 August 8, 2014 1 1:34 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Middleweight debut.
Win 4–0 David Jordan Submission (guillotine choke) CES MMA 23 April 25, 2014 1 2:38 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout.
Win 3–0 Tyler Rose TKO (injury) CES MMA 20 December 6, 2013 1 5;00 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States
Win 2–0 Tunde Odumuso Submission (rear-naked choke) CES MMA New Blood June 7, 2013 1 1:41 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Catchweight (175 lb) bout.
Win 1–0 Kemran Lachinov Decision (unanimous) CES MMA Undisputed February 1, 2013 3 5;00 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

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Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 2–1 Andrew Sanchez KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia March 1, 2016 1 0:47 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States TUF 23 Semifinal round.
Win 2–0 Elias Urbina Decision (unanimous) February 16, 2016 2 5:00 TUF 23 Quarterfinal round.
Win 1–0 Kenneth Bergh Submission (rear-naked choke) January 26, 2016 1 2:10 TUF 23 Elimination round.

References

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  1. ^ James Lynch (April 15, 2018). "Eric Spicely talks UFC Liverpool, Training at Tristar Gym & Free Agency After This Fight". fightful.com.
  2. ^ Jeremy Brand (February 7, 2017). "Eric Spicely earns BJJ black belt". MMASucka.com.
  3. ^ Mixed martial arts show results Date: December 1, 2017
  4. ^ "Eric Spicely - Official UFC Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  5. ^ Eric Spicely: Profile and Match Listing at Profightdb.com
  6. ^ Damon Martin (April 6, 2016). "Cast revealed for 'The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Claudia'". foxsports.com. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  7. ^ "Episode No. 10 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 23: Team Joanna vs. Team Claudia'". MMA Junkie. June 23, 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  8. ^ "Sam Alvey vs. Eric Spicely added to UFC Fight Night 91 in South Dakota". mmajunkie.com. June 25, 2016. Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  9. ^ Ben Fowlkes (July 13, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 91 results: Sam Alvey gets big reason to smile with submission of Eric Spicely". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  10. ^ "Thiago 'Marreta' Santos vs. Eric Spiceley heads to UFC Fight Night 95 in Brasilia". mmajunkie.com. August 14, 2016. Retrieved August 14, 2016.
  11. ^ Steven Marrocco (September 24, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 95 results: Eric Spicely stuns Brasilia, submits 8-1 favorite Thiago 'Marreta' Santos". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  12. ^ "UFC Fight Night 95 bonuses: Eric Spicely's huge upset of 8-1 favorite Thiago 'Marreta' Santos worth $50,000". MMA Junkie. September 25, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  13. ^ "Spicely-Di Chirico added to UFC Denver". thescoree.com. January 11, 2017. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
  14. ^ Matt Erickson (January 28, 2017). "UFC on FOX 23 results: Eric Spicely chokes out Alessio Di Chirico in first". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
  15. ^ "Three fights added to UFC 212 in Rio de Janeiro". mmajunkie.com. March 9, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  16. ^ Steven Marrocco (June 3, 2017). "UFC 212 results: Antonio Carlos Junior taps out Eric Spicely in battle of grapplers". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  17. ^ Jim Edwards (August 17, 2017). "Gerald Meerschaert vs Eric Spicely set for TUF 26 Finale in December". mmauno.com. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  18. ^ "TUF 26 Finale results: Gerald Meerschaert liver kick folds Eric Spicely". MMAjunkie. December 2, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  19. ^ "Darren Stewart vs. Eric Spicely headed to UFC Fight Night 130 in Liverpool". mmajunkie.com. March 20, 2018. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  20. ^ "UFC Fight Night 130 results: Fifth time the charm for Darren Stewart, who stops Eric Spicely for first UFC win". MMAjunkie. May 27, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  21. ^ "Dustin Poirier Passing On 'Most Violent' Title Ahead Of Nate Diaz Fight". Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  22. ^ Alexander K. Lee (December 17, 2018). "UFC vet Eric Spicely returns to CES on Jan. 19". mmafighting.com.
  23. ^ Fernanda Prates (January 19, 2019). "CES MMA 54 results: Lightweight champ Nate Andrews makes case for UFC shot after 15th career finish". mmajunkie.com.
  24. ^ Nolan King (June 17, 2019). "Eric Spicely replaces Bruno Silva against Deron Winn at UFC on ESPN+ 12 in Greenville". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  25. ^ Steven Marrocco (August 3, 2020). "Eric Spicely opens up on UFC release, antidepressants after severe concussion in Deron Winn fight". mmafighting.com.
  26. ^ Henry, Blaine (June 22, 2019). "UFC Greenville Results: Deron Winn Stays Perfect with Victory Over Eric Spicely". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  27. ^ a b Stephie Hayne (June 22, 2019). "UFC Greenville post-fight bonuses: The Korean Zombie crushes Moicano in POTN win". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  28. ^ Brett Okamato (August 6, 2019). "Magomedsharipov-Kattar to headline Oct. 18 card". espn.com. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  29. ^ Nolan King (September 30, 2019). "Eric Spicely out, Brendan Allen needs new opponent for UFC on ESPN 6". mmajunkie. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  30. ^ Martin, Damon (January 12, 2020). "Punahele Soriano vs. Eric Spicely joins UFC on ESPN 8 in Columbus". MMA Fighting. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
  31. ^ Redactie (February 21, 2020). "Roman Kopylov tackles short notice fight against Eric Spicely during UFC Columbus". mmadna.nl. Retrieved February 21, 2019.(in Dutch)
  32. ^ Nolan King and John Morgan (March 15, 2020). "UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  33. ^ "Markus Perez Will Take On Eric Spicely at The UFC Fight Night Event On August 1". TheRingReport.com. June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  34. ^ Nolan King (July 31, 2020). "Eric Spicely out of UFC on ESPN+ 31 bout vs. Markus Perez; replacement found". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  35. ^ Damon Martin (August 3, 2020). "Eric Spicely released from UFC after dropping out of fight due to botched weight cut". mmafighting.com. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  36. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (August 29, 2020). "UFC veteran Eric Spicely signs with Taura MMA, debut set for Nov. 22". MMA Fighting. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  37. ^ Guilherme Cruz (November 16, 2020). "Taura MMA postpones two cards to 2021 due to COVID-related issues". mmafighting.com.
  38. ^ "Full fight card released for UAE Warriors 15". asianmma.com. January 6, 2021.
  39. ^ Andrew Whitelaw (January 16, 2021). "Bruno Machado beats Mickael Lebout at UAE Warriors 15". asianmma.com.
  40. ^ "Oktagon 24 Results: Kozma Defeats Silva in Slugfest, Retains Title". Combat Press. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  41. ^ "Oktagon 28: Polívka a knokaut jediným úderom. Veterán UFC končí kariéru". sportnet.sme.sk (in Slovak). Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  42. ^ "UFC Fight Night 95 bonuses: Eric Spicely's huge upset of 8-1 favorite Thiago 'Marreta' Santos worth $50,000". MMA Junkie. September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
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