Eric Spicely


Eric Spicely is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler currently competing in the middleweight division of Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2012, he formerly competed for RFA, CES MMA and was a Light Heavyweight contestant on.

Background

Growing up with drug-addicted parents, Spicely was raised primarily by his grandmother before moving back in with his parents at the age of 15 after she died. However, he later moved out due to their abuse and continued drug use. Prior to his career in MMA, Spicely was a professional wrestler, and was also a talented skateboarder. Trained as a professional wrestler by Biff Busick, he competed for Beyond Wrestling often teaming with Chuck O'Neil and Matt Riddle.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

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.
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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Spicely made his promotional debut against Sam Alvey on July 13, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 91. He lost the fight via submission in first round.
Spicely next faced Thiago Santos on September 24, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 95. In a large upset, he won the fight by submission in the first round. This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Spicely faced Alessio Di Chirico on January 28, 2017 at UFC on Fox 23. He won the fight via submission in the first round.
Spicely faced Antônio Carlos Júnior on June 3, 2017 at UFC 212. He lost the fight by submission due to a rear-naked choke in the second round.
Spicely fought Gerald Meerschaert on December 1, 2017 at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale. He lost the bout via TKO in the second round.
Spicely faced Darren Stewart on May 27, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 130. He lost the fight via technical knock out in the second round.
On August 14, 2018, it was announced that Spicely was released from UFC.

Post-UFC career

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

Return to UFC

On the heels of two first round finishes on the regional circuit, Spicely was re-signed by the promotion and tabbed as a short notice replacement against promotional newcomer Deron Winn on June 22, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 154. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Spicely was scheduled to face Brendan Allen on October 18, 2019 at UFC on ESPN 6. However, Spicely was forced to withdraw from the event for undisclosed reason.
Spicely was scheduled to face Punahele Soriano on March 28, 2020 at. However, Soriano was removed from the card for undisclosed reasons and replaced by Roman Kopylov. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.
Spicely was scheduled to face Markus Perez on August 1, 2020 at. However, Spicely was removed from the fight on the day of the event's weigh-in for undisclosed reasons. Promotion officials have not confirmed, but are expected to tab a replacement in an attempt to keep Perez on the card.

Awards and recognition

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts exhibition record