Anthony Birchak
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Anthony Birchak
| other_names = El Toro
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|05|16}}
| birth_place = Tucson, Arizona, United States
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence = Tucson, Arizona
| nationality =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-new-orleans-2015/printFightCard|title=Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Boetsch vs. Henderson|publisher=UFC|access-date=June 8, 2015}}
| weight = {{convert|145.1|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = Bantamweight
Featherweight
| reach = {{convert|69.0|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| style =
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = Tucson, Arizona, United States
| team = Torotech MMA
Luta Elite Mma
| rank = Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Casey Halstead{{Cite tweet |user=abirchakMMA |author=Anthony Birchak |number=1136527218044153857 |date = 5 June 2019 |title=I was promoted to 10th Planet Blackbelt tonight by my mentor, coach, sensei @coachcasey10 and cant wait to represent 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu at the Blackbelt level! }}
| wrestling = NCAA Division II Wrestling{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/anthony-birchak|title=Anthony Birchak - Official UFC Fighter Profile|publisher=UFC|access-date=June 8, 2015}}
| years_active = 2009–present
| mma_kowin = 5
| mma_subwin = 8
| mma_decwin = 3
| mma_dqwin =
| mma_otherwin =
| mma_koloss = 2
| mma_subloss = 3
| mma_decloss = 3
| mma_dqloss =
| mma_otherloss =
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| url =
| sherdog = 53300
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Anthony Birchak (born May 16, 1986) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. A professional competitor since 2009. he formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Legacy Fighting Alliance, Bellator, Rizin and the MFC.
Background
Birchak is Mexican American{{cite web|url=https://tucson.com/sports/local/tucson-native-anthony-birchak-will-bring-bushido-code-to-saturdays-mma-fight/article_c30bf3b4-bfb7-5003-a106-46cca565d90f.html|title=Tucson native Anthony Birchak will bring Bushido code to Saturday's MMA fight|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Norma|publisher=Tucson.com|date=October 18, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2020}} and was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Birchak was a highly decorated amateur wrestler at Sahuarita High School.Sahuarita High School#cite note-3 Birchak attended Pima Community College and Grand Canyon University where he majored in Visual Communications. His wife Mercedes White acts as his manager. Together they have launched a mixed martial arts school TOROTech MMA.{{Cite web|title = TOROTech Mixed Martial Arts|url = https://www.facebook.com/TorotechMMA|website = www.facebook.com|access-date = 2015-11-26}}{{Cite web|title = Home - Anthony Birchak|url = http://anthonybirchak.com|website = Anthony Birchak|access-date = 2015-11-26|language = en-US}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Birchak made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2009 competing primarily in regional promotions across the Southwestern United States, before making an appearance at Bellator 41 where he earned a submission victory over Tyler Bialecki. After seven more fights and two titles later on the regional and Canadian circuit, where he compiled a record of 11–1, Birchak signed with the UFC in the summer of 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/8/14/5998691/ufc-halifax-signs-felder-vs-saggo-177-debut-birchak-vs-soto-mma-news|title=Welcome to the UFC, Felder, Birchak, & Soto|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Zane Simon|date=2014-08-14|access-date=2014-08-14}}
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
Birchak was expected to make his promotional debut against Joe Soto on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177.{{cite web |url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Soto-Birchak-Completes-UFC-177-card|title=Soto-Birchak completes UFC 177 card.|publisher=UFC|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=2014-08-12|access-date=2014-08-12}} However, on the day of the weigh-ins, event headliner Renan Barão had to be admitted to the hospital as a result of his attempts to cut weight. Soto was tabbed as his replacement against T.J. Dillashaw. Subsequently, Birchak was removed from the card entirely.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/08/renan-barao-out-of-ufc-177-joe-soto-meets-t-j-dillashaw-for-title|title=Renan Barao out of UFC 177, Joe Soto meets T.J. Dillashaw for title|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=August 29, 2014}}
Birchak faced Ian Entwistle on December 13, 2014, at UFC on Fox 13.{{cite web|url=http://fansided.com/2014/09/23/ian-entwistle-faces-anthony-birchak-ufc-fox-13/|title=Ian Entwistle faces Anthony Birchak at UFC on FOX 13|publisher=fansided.com|date=2014-09-23|access-date=2014-09-23|author=Jacob Cooper}} Birchak lost the bout via submission in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/12/ufc-on-fox-13-results-ian-entwistle-leglock-halts-anthony-birchak-in-64-seconds|title=UFC on FOX 13 results: Ian Entwistle leglock halts Anthony Birchak in 64 seconds|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2014-12-13|access-date=2014-12-13|author=Steven Marrocco}}
A rescheduled bout with Joe Soto took place on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/3/18/8254895/joe-soto-returns-to-meet-anthony-birchak-at-ufc-fight-night-in-new|title=Joe Soto returns to meet Anthony Birchak at UFC Fight Night in New Orleans|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2015-03-18|access-date=2015-03-18}} Birchak won the fight via knockout in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-anthony-birchak-face-plants-joe-soto-with-crushing-first-round-ko-060615|title=Anthony Birchak face plants Joe Soto with crushing first-round KO|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2015-06-06|access-date=2015-06-06}}
Birchak next faced Thomas Almeida on November 7, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 77.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/9/9/9298671/thomas-almeida-anthony-birchak-to-meet-in-sao-paulo|title=Thomas Almeida, Anthony Birchak to meet in Sao Paulo|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2015-09-09|access-date=2015-09-09}} He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/11/ufc-fight-night-77-results-thomas-almeida-stays-perfect-flattens-anthony-birchak|title=UFC Fight Night 77 results: Thomas Almeida stays perfect, flattens Anthony Birchak|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2015-11-07|access-date=2015-11-07}}
Birchak next faced Dileno Lopes on July 7, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 90.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Anthony-Birchak-vs-Dileno-Lopes-Added-to-UFC-Fight-Night-in-Las-Vegas-on-July-7-104219|title=Anthony Birchak vs. Dileno Lopes added to UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on July 7|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2016-04-29|access-date=2016-04-29}} He won the fight via split decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-fight-night-90-results-anthony-birchak-edges-dileno-lopes-by-split-decision|title=UFC Fight Night 90 results: Anthony Birchak edges Dileno Lopes by split decision|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=2016-07-07|access-date=2016-07-07}}
Despite winning his last fight, Birchak never received a new contract offer from the UFC and was released from the promotion in February 2017.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Joseph |title=Anthony Birchak Talks About His Exit From the UFC |url=https://411mania.com/mma/anthony-birchak-talks-about-his-exit-from-the-ufc/ |website=411mania.com |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=15 April 2017}}
=Post-UFC career=
==Rizin FF==
Birchak quickly signed with Rizin Fighting Federation after his UFC release. He made his debut against Tatsuya Kawajiri on April 16, 2017, at Rizin FF 5.{{cite web |last1=Segura |first1=Danny |title=Anthony Birchak vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri, more added to Rizin FF event in April |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/3/15/14939388/anthony-birchak-vs-tatsuya-kawajiri-more-added-to-rizin-ff-event-in-april |website=mmafighting.com |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=15 March 2017}} He lost the bout via unanimous decision.{{cite web |last1=Hashimoto |first1=Norihiro |title=新たな風景を見せるRIZINのリングで |url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/827912 |website=number.bunshun.jp |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=22 April 2017}}
Birchak next faced Takafumi Otsuka in the first round of the Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix on July 30, 2017, at Rizin 6. He lost the fight via split decision.{{cite web |title=大塚選手が勝利いたしました！RIZIN バンタム級トーナメント。 |url=http://tgriptokyo.com/2017/07/%E5%A4%A7%E5%A1%9A%E9%81%B8%E6%89%8B%E3%81%8C%E5%8B%9D%E5%88%A9%E3%81%84%E3%81%9F%E3%81%97%E3%81%BE%E3%81%97%E3%81%9F%EF%BC%81rizin-%E3%83%90%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%A0%E7%B4%9A%E3%83%88%E3%83%BC/ |website=tgriptokyo.com |access-date=18 May 2022}}
==Combate Americas==
Birchak faced Adam Martinez at Combate Americas Mexico vs. USA on October 13, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/9/18/17876008/erik-perez-vs-john-castaneda-headlines-combate-americas-mexico-vs-usa-oct-13-mma|title=Erik Perez vs John Castaneda headlines Combate Americas 'Mexico vs USA' on Oct. 13 in Tucson|author=Jesse Holland|date=September 18, 2018|publisher=mmamania.com}} He won the fight via TKO only 51 seconds into the fight.{{cite web |last1=Winn |first1=Daniel |title=Tucson's Birchak TKO's opponent in less than a minute on national TV |url=https://www.kvoa.com/news/local/tucson-s-birchak-tko-s-opponent-in-less-than-a-minute-on-national-tv/article_cf379e9e-ae41-5872-b380-9c4b11f6011c.html |website=kvoa.com |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=14 October 2018}}
==LFA==
Birchak was expected to headline LFA 72 against Nohelin Hernandez on July 26, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/06/anthony-birchak-nohelin-hernandez-headline-lfa-72-phoenix-mma-ufc|title=UFC veteran Anthony Birchak, top prospect Nohelin Hernandez headline LFA 72 in Phoenix|author=Nolan King|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=June 18, 2019}} However, Hernandez stepped in to replace Sean O'Malley at UFC 239 and was replaced by Raphael Montini de Lima.{{cite web |last1=Hammond |first1=Mick |title=Anthony Birchak Says He Brings Too Much To The Table For His LFA 72 Late Replacement |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/anthony-birchak-says-he-brings-too-much-to-the-table-for-his-lfa-72-late-replacement |website=mmaweekly.com |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=23 July 2019}} Birchak won the fight in the first round via submission.
==Combate Americas==
After the victory in the LFA, Birchak was expected to face Erik Aguilar Radleim at Combate Americas' event on October 11, 2019. However, Radleim pulled out due to visa issues and was replaced by Jose Luis Calvo.{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Jose-Alday-vs-Joby-Sanchez-to-Headline-Combate-Americas-Card-in-Tucson-on-Oct-11-162923|title=Jose Alday vs. Joby Sanchez to Headline Combate Americas Card in Tucson on Oct. 11|date=October 2, 2019|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield}}
== Return to UFC ==
Birchak faced Gustavo Lopez, replacing Felipe Colares, on November 7, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira.{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2020-11-04|title=Anthony Birchak keert terug in de UFC, treft Gustavo Lopez aanstaande zaterdag in Las Vegas|url=https://mmadna.nl/anthony-birchak-keert-terug-in-de-ufc-treft-gustavo-lopez-aanstaande-zaterdag-in-las-vegas/|access-date=2020-11-04|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} He lost the fight via a submission in round one.{{Cite web|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2020-11-07|title=UFC Vegas 13 Results: Gustavo Lopez Finishes Anthony Birchak|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/07/ufc-vegas-13-results-gustavo-lopez/|access-date=2020-11-08|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
Birchak was scheduled to face Johnny Eduardo on March 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 21.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/02/ufc-news-johnny-eduardo-vs-anthony-birchak-booking-march-20-fight-announcement|title=Johnny Eduardo returns from 33-month layoff, fights Anthony Birchak at March 20 UFC event|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Nolan King and Farah Hannoun|date=2021-02-18|access-date=2021-02-18}} However, on March 15 Eduardo withdrew from the bout due to visa issues. It is unclear if a replacement would be sought by the promotion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/3/15/22332169/visa-issues-johnny-eduardo-out-ufc-vegas-22-fight-anthony-birchak|title=Johnny Eduardo out of UFC Vegas 22 fight with Anthony Birchak - MMA Fighting|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz and Mike Heck|date=2021-03-15|access-date=2021-03-15}}
Birchak faced off against Tony Gravely, replacing Nate Maness on April 17, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 22.{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-03-26|title=Anthony Birchak vervangt Nate Maness tegen Tony Gravely tijdens UFC evenement op 17 april|url=https://mmadna.nl/anthony-birchak-vervangt-nate-maness-tegen-tony-gravely-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-17-april/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.{{Cite web|last=Behunin|first=Alex|date=2021-04-17|title=UFC Vegas 24 Results: Tony Gravely Scores Second-Round Knockout of Anthony Birchak|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/04/17/ufc-vegas-24-results-tony-gravely-stops-anthony-birchak-in-the-second-round/|access-date=2021-04-18|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
After the loss he was released by the UFC.{{Cite web|last=Hiergesell|first=Dan|date=2021-05-08|title=Sanders Leads Pack Of Recent UFC Cuts|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2021/5/8/22426148/ufc-roster-cuts-luke-sanders-jordan-griffin-among-six-fighters-released-mma-espn|access-date=2021-05-08|website=MMAmania.com|language=en}}
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 5
| sub-wins= 6
| dec-wins= 3
| ko-losses= 2
| sub-losses= 3
| dec-losses= 3
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|16–8
|TKO (punch)
|UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum
|{{dts|2021|April|17}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|1:31
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|16–7
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira
|{{dts|2020|November|7}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:43
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–6
| Erik Radleim
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Combate Americas: Tucson
| {{dts|2019|Oct|11}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:40
| Tucson, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–6
| Raphael Montini de Lima
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| LFA 72
| {{dts|2019|July|26}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:34
| Phoenix, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–6
| Adam Martinez
| TKO (punches)
| Combate 26
| {{dts|2018|October|13}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:51
| Tucson, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–6
| Moon Jae-hoon
| Decision (split)
| Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: 2nd Round
| {{dts|2017|December|29}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Saitama, Japan
| {{small|2017 Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix Reserve bout.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–5
| Decision (split)
| Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Opening Round - Part 1
| {{dts|2017|July|30}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| Saitama, Japan
| {{small|Return to Bantamweight. 2017 Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix Round of 16.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13–4
|Decision (unanimous)
|Rizin 2017 in Yokohama: Sakura
|{{dts|2017|April|16}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|5:00
|Yokohama, Japan
|{{small|Featherweight debut.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|13–3
|Dileno Lopes
|Decision (split)
|UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez
|{{dts|2016|July|7}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|12–3
|KO (punch)
|UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 3
|{{dts|2015|November|7}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:22
|São Paulo, Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–2
| Joe Soto
| KO (punches)
| UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson
| {{dts|2015|June|06}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:37
| New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–2
| Submission (heel hook)
| UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic
| {{dts|2014|December|13}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:04
| Phoenix, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–1
| Tito Jones
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| {{dts|2013|October|04}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 3:30
| {{small|Won the MFC Bantamweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2013|May|10}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–1
| Matt Leyva
| TKO (punches)
| Jackson's MMA Series 10
| {{dts|2012|December|01}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:22
| Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–1
| TKO (punches)
| Coalition of Combat: Clash of the Titans
| {{dts|2012|June|02}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 1:38
| Phoenix, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–1
| John Green
| TKO (punches)
| Xtreme Combat Promotions: Burlington Beatdown
| {{dts|2012|April|28}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:14
| Winooski, Vermont, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 6–1
| Jorge Clay
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Amazon Forest Combat 1
| {{dts|2011|September|14}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:29
| Manaus, Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–0
| Carlos Ortega
| Decision (unanimous)
| Rage in the Cage 153
| {{dts|2011|July|16}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3:00
| Chandler, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–0
| Tyler Bialecki
| Submission (brabo choke)
| {{dts|2011|April|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:06
| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0
| Austin Apollos
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| Rage in the Cage 150
| {{dts|2011|March|19}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:36
| Chandler, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0
| Matt Betzold
| Submission (triangle choke)
| World Fighting Federation
| {{dts|2010|October|16}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:12
| Tucson, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| Gio Arvizu
| Submission (armbar)
| World Fighting Federation
| {{dts|2010|April|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:30
| Tucson, Arizona, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Michael Poe
| Submission (choke)
| Ringside Ultimo Fighting
| {{dts|2009|July|4}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:18
| Nogales, Arizona, United States
| {{small|Bantamweight debut.}}
{{end}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/ufc-fight-night-68-results-anthony-birchak-gets-knockout-upset-of-joe-soto UFC Fight Night 68 results: Anthony Birchak gets knockout upset of Joe Soto] at MMAjunkie.com}
- {{UFC|anthony-birchak}}
- {{Sherdog|53300}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Birchak, Anthony}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters
Category:American mixed martial artists of Mexican descent
Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists
Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:Sportspeople from Tucson, Arizona
Category:Mixed martial artists from Arizona
Category:American male sport wrestlers