Austin Vanderford
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Austin Vanderford
| nickname = The Gentleman
| image = Web Summit 2018 - Backstage DSC05300 (44891996805).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Vanderford at the 2018 Web Summit
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|03|21}}
| birth_place = Santa Rosa, California, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| nationality =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}}
| weight_lb = 185
| weight_class = Middleweight
Welterweight
| reach = 74 in
| style = Wrestling
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = Portland, Oregon, U.S.
| team = Gracie Barra Portland
| trainer =
| rank =
| years_active = 2017–present
| mma_kowin = 5
| mma_subwin = 3
| mma_decwin = 5
| mma_dqwin =
| mma_otherwin =
| mma_koloss = 2
| mma_subloss =
| mma_decloss =
| mma_dqloss =
| mma_otherloss =
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| am_win = 4
| am_kowin = 1
| am_subwin = 2
| am_decwin = 1
| am_loss =
| am_koloss =
| am_subloss =
| am_draw =
| am_nc =
| university =
| spouse = {{marriage|Paige VanZant|2018}}
| children =
| relatives =
| website =
| sherdog = 206919
| footnotes =
| medaltemplates =
{{MedalSport | Collegiate Wrestling}}
{{MedalCountry | }} Southern Oregon University
{{MedalCompetition|NAIA Championships}}
{{MedalGold|2012 Des Moines|184 lb}}
}}
Austin Vanderford (born March 21, 1990) is an American professional mixed martial artist, who competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He previously fought in Bellator MMA, where he contended for the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Background
Vanderford was born in Santa Rosa, California, before moving at the age of 9 months old to Ninilchik, Alaska. He would develop a taste for competitive sport while wrestling for his high school team, where he became a 2-time Alaska State Wrestling Champion (2007-160 lbs, 2006-152 lbs) in his junior and senior years.
Vanderford wrestled at Southern Oregon University, becoming the NAIA National Wrestling Champion in 2012 (184 lbs.) and was a 2-time NAIA All-American wrestler. After finishing his college career graduating with a bachelor's degree, he took up a coaching job with the university for a couple of years, before following his desire to fight competitively. Vanderford would win all four bouts of his amateur career as a welterweight.{{Citation|title=A Kickass Love Story - Trip to Austin's Hometown: Ninilchik, Alaska {{!}} S1 E3| date=8 October 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmXj1VS60o4|language=en|access-date=2021-12-20}}{{Cite web|title=Austin Vanderford {{!}} Booking Agent {{!}} Talent Roster|url=https://mn2s.com/booking-agency/talent-roster/austin-vanderford/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=MN2S|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=McClory|first=Mike|date=2019-11-13|title=From Alaska to Israel, Bellator 234's Austin Vanderford Has Had Quite a Journey in MMA|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/13/austin-vanderford-bellator-234-interview/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Austin Vanderford — Alaska High School Hall of Fame|url=https://alaskahalloffame.org/inductees/hall-of-fame-class-of-2019/austin-vanderford/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=alaskahalloffame.org}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Making his professional debut at Prime Fighting 9 on March 11, 2017, Vanderford faced Sol Renato, going on to defeat him via TKO in first round. He went on to defeat his next two opponents, Adam Fugitt and Ben Fodor, both via unanimous decisions, winning the CageSport Welterweight title against the later at CageSport 47.{{Cite web|date=2017-10-17|title=VanZant's Man Wins Weekend Fight, Gets Rushed And Kissed In The Cage By UFC's Sweetheart|url=http://mmaimports.com/2017/10/vanzants-man-wins-weekend-fight-gets-rushed-kissed-cage-ufcs-sweetheart/|access-date=2022-02-25|website=MMA Imports|language=en-US}} He would go on to tap out Kenny Licea in the second round via rear-naked choke at VFC 59, before he was invited to face Angelo Trevino on July 17, 2018, at Dana White's Contender Series 13. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two, however did not secure a contract with the UFC.{{Cite web|author=Eddie Mercado|date=2018-07-17|title=Dana White's Contender Series 13 results: Pilarte among three to earn UFC contract|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/7/17/17583864/dana-whites-contender-series-13-results-pilarte-barber-shahbazyan-ufc-news|access-date=2020-06-14|website=Bloody Elbow}} In his last bout on the regionals, Vanderford faced Brazil's Edmilson Freitas, knocking him out in the first round.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-26|title=Across the Pond Profile: Bellator MMA fighter Austin Vanderford {{!}} MMA UK|url=https://mmauk.net/2019/11/26/across-the-pond-profile-bellator-mma-fighter-austin-vanderford/|access-date=2022-02-17|language=en-GB}}
=Bellator MMA=
After going undefeated in 6 bouts on the regional scene, Vanderford signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.{{Cite web|date=2018-12-04|title=Austin Vanderford Signs With Bellator|url=https://www.fightsports.tv/vanderford-signs-with-bellator/|access-date=2022-02-17|website=FIGHT SPORTS|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Austin Vanderford Signs With Bellator MMA {{!}} Fightful News|url=https://www.fightful.com/mma/austin-vanderford-signs-bellator-mma|access-date=2022-02-17|website=www.fightful.com|language=en}}
In his debut appearance with Bellator MMA at Bellator 215 on February 15, 2019, he took on Cody Jones and submitted him via arm-triangle choke in the first round.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2019-02-15|title=Bellator 215 Results: Austin Vanderford Submits Cody Jones Early|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/02/15/bellator-215-results-austin-vanderford-cody-jones/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
Vanderford faced Joseph Creer at Bellator 225 on August 25, 2019, winning the bout after the doctor stopped the fight after the second round.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2019-08-24|title=Bellator 225 Results: Austin Vanderford Dominates Joseph Creer on Ground|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/08/24/bellator-225-results-austin-vanderford/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
On November 15, 2019, at Bellator 234, he faced Russian submission specialist Grachik Bozinyan, defeating him via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2019-11-15|title=Bellator 234 Results: Austin Vanderford Tops Grachik Bozinyan via Decision|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/15/bellator-234-results-austin-vanderford-vs-grachik-bozinyan/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
Vanderford was scheduled to face Daniel Madrid on September 12, 2020, at Bellator 246.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-19|title=Austin Vanderford booked to fight Daniel Madrid at Bellator 246|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/08/bellator-246-austin-vanderford-vs-daniel-madrid-booked|access-date=2022-02-22|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} However, he had to pull out of the bout for unknown reasons.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-04|title=Austin Vanderford out of Bellator 246; Pat Casey targeted replacement vs. Daniel Madrid|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/austin-vanderford-out-of-bellator-246-pat-casey-targeted-replacement-vs-daniel-madrid|access-date=2022-02-22|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}
Vanderford was scheduled to face Chris Curtis on November 5, 2020, at Bellator 251.{{Cite web|last=Heck|first=Mike|date=2020-10-26|title=Austin Vanderford vs. Chris Curtis among additions to Bellator 251 fight card|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/10/26/21534735/austin-vanderford-vs-chris-curtis-among-additions-to-bellator-251-fight-card|access-date=2022-02-22|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}} However, Curtis had to pull out of the bout due to a positive COVID test and was replaced by Vinicius de Jesus.{{Cite web|last=Lee|first=Alexander K.|date=2020-11-02|title=Chris Curtis off Bellator 251 due to positive COVID-19 test, Vinicius de Jesus steps in to fight Austin Vanderford|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/11/2/21546186/chris-curtis-off-bellator-251-due-positive-covid-19-test-vinicius-de-jesus-fight-austin-vanderford|access-date=2022-02-22|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}} Vanderford won the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-11-05|title=Bellator 251 Results: Austin Vanderford Maintains Perfect Record with Decision Win Over Vinicius De Jesus|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/05/bellator-251-results-austin-vanderford-vs-vinicius-de-jesus/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2020-11-07|title=Vanderford wins Bellator 251 fight by decision, moves to 10-0|url=http://alaskasportshall.org/2020/11/vanderford-wins-bellator-251-fight-by-decision-moves-to-10-0/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Alaska Sports Hall Of Fame|language=en-US}}
Vanderford faced Fabian Edwards on May 21, 2021, at Bellator 259, defeating him via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-22|title=Bellator 259 results: Austin Vanderford suffers nasty gash in decision win vs. Fabian Edwards|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/bellator-259-results-austin-vanderford-bloodied-elbow-unanimous-decision-vs-fabian-edwards|access-date=2022-02-21|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}
Vanderford fought for the Bellator Middleweight World Championship against Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 275 on February 25, 2022, at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-12-15|title=Gegard Mousasi verdedigt titel tegen Austin Vanderford op 25 februari in Dublin|url=https://mmadna.nl/gegard-mousasi-verdedigt-titel-tegen-austin-vanderford-op-25-februari-in-dublin/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} He lost the fight via technical knockout in round one.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2022-02-25|title=Bellator 275: Gegard Mousasi Stuns, Stops Austin Vanderford in Drubbing|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/02/25/bellator-275-gegard-mousasi-vs-austin-vanderford/|access-date=2022-02-25|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
Vanderford was scheduled to face Anthony Adams at Bellator 284 on August 12, 2022.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Nolan |date=2022-07-12 |title=Bellator 284 adds Austin Vanderford vs. Anthony Adams |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/07/bellator-284-austin-vanderford-vs-anthony-adams-sioux-falls |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} After Adams pulled out of the bout 2 weeks before the event, Aaron Jeffery stepped in on short notice.{{Cite web |last=Hannoun |first=Farah |date=2022-08-04 |title=With Anthony Adams out, Aaron Jeffery steps in to face Austin Vanderford at Bellator 284 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/08/bellator-284-austin-vanderford-vs-aaron-jeffery-with-anthony-adams-out-injury-mma-fight-booking-matchup |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} He lost the bout in the first round via TKO stoppage.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-08-12 |title=Bellator 284: Aaron Jeffery Drops, Finishes Austin Vanderford Early |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/08/12/bellator-284-austin-vanderford-vs-aaron-jeffery/ |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}
Vanderford was scheduled to face Imamshafi Aliev on June 16, 2023 at Bellator 297.{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Adam Guillen |date=2023-05-03 |title=Vanderford Returns, Faces Undefeated Aliev At Bellator 297 |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2023/5/3/23710137/austin-vanderford-returns-gets-imamshafi-aliev-bellator-297-june-16-showtime-mma |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}} However, at the beginning of June, the bout was scrapped for unknown reasons.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=Bellator 297 loses two bouts including former title challenger |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/06/bellator-297-loses-two-bouts-including-former-title-challenger |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}
On February 14, 2024, Vanderford revealed that he negotiated his release from Bellator MMA.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-02-14 |title=Paige VanZant announces she accepted boxing match with date expected in May or June |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/2/14/24073129/paige-vanzant-announces-she-accepted-boxing-match-with-date-expected-in-may-or-june |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
On February 18, 2025, it was reported that Vanderford had signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He faced Nikolay Veretennikov on February 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 252 in a 175-pound catchweight bout.{{Cite web |last=King|first=Nolan|date=2025-02-18 |title=UFC signs Austin Vanderford for Seattle card debut on days' notice|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-news-austin-vanderford-seattle-debut |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en}} He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/02/22/ufc-seattle-austin-vanderford-dominant-in-debut-nikolay-veretennikov-causes-scene-with-post-fight-shove/|title=UFC Seattle: Austin Vanderford Dominant in Debut, Nikolay Veretennikov Causes Scene with Post-Fight Shove|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Shawn Bitter|date=2025-02-22|access-date=2025-02-22}}
Personal life
In September 2018, Vanderford married Paige VanZant, a former UFC strawweight.{{cite web|title=Paige VanZant Gets Married {{!}} Fightful MMA|url=https://www.fightful.com/mma/paige-vanzant-gets-married|access-date=2018-10-27|website=www.fightful.com|date=30 September 2018 |language=en}} The couple began dating the previous year,{{cite web|last1=Ess|first1=Russel|date=August 22, 2017|title=Sounds like Paige VanZant just announced she has a boyfriend|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/videos/sounds-like-paige-vanzant-just-announced-she-has-a-boyfriend/|access-date=January 14, 2018|website=bjpenn.com}}{{cite web|date=September 6, 2017|title=Paige VanZant: "Sorry guys, I'm off the market. I am seeing somebody, he is also an MMA Fighter"|url=http://wmmarankings.com/paige-vanzant-im-off-market-sorry-guys-seeing-somebody-also-professional-mma-fighter/|access-date=January 15, 2018|website=wmmarankings.com|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012075342/http://wmmarankings.com/paige-vanzant-im-off-market-sorry-guys-seeing-somebody-also-professional-mma-fighter/|url-status=dead}} and Vanderford proposed to VanZant in January 2018.{{cite web|title=Paige VanZant got engaged|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/1/29/16947336/ufc-paige-vanzant-engaged-boyfriend-flyweight-womens-mma-news|access-date=October 27, 2018|website=bloodyelbow.com}}
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
|ko-wins=5
|sub-wins=3
|dec-wins=5
|dq-wins=
|ko-losses=2
|sub-losses=
|dec-losses=
|dq-losses=
|nc=
|draw=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|13–2
|Nikolay Veretennikov
|TKO (punches)
|UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song
|{{dts|2025|February|22}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:13
|Seattle, Washington, United States
|{{small|Catchweight (175 lb) bout.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|12–2
|Victor Romero
|TKO (punch and elbows)
|{{dts|2024|October|18}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:05
|Niagara Falls, New York, United States
|{{small|Return to Welterweight.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–2
|Aaron Jeffery
|TKO (punches)
|{{dts|2022|August|12}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:25
|Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–1
|TKO (punches)
|{{dts|2022|February|25}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:25
|Dublin, Ireland
|{{small|For the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|11–0
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|2021|May|21}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|10–0
|Vinicius de Jesus
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|2020|November|5}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|9–0
|Grachik Bozinyan
|Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2019|November|15}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Tel Aviv, Israel
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|8–0
|Joseph Creer
|TKO (doctor stoppage)
|{{dts|2019|August|24}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|5:00
|Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
|{{small|Middleweight debut.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|7–0
|Cody Jones
|Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|{{dts|2019|February|15}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:49
|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
|{{small|Catchweight (175 lb) bout.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|6–0
|Edmilson Freitas
|KO (punch)
|Final Fight Championship 32
|{{dts|2018.10.19}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:38
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|5–0
|Angelo Trevino
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Dana White's Contender Series 13
|{{dts|2018|July|17}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:42
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|4–0
|Kenny Licea
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Victory FC 59
|{{dts|2017.12.16}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:03
|Omaha, Nebraska, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|3–0
|Decision (unanimous)
|CageSport 47
|{{dts|2017.10.14}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|Tacoma, Washington, United States
|{{small|Won the CS Welterweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|2–0
|Adam Fugitt
|Decision (unanimous)
|Arena Wars: Total Kombat
|{{dts|2017.07.08}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Medford, Oregon, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1–0
|Sol Renato
|TKO (punches)
|Prime Fighting 9
|{{dts|2017.03.11}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:33
|Ridgefield, Washington, United States
|{{small|Welterweight debut.}}
|-
{{end}}
=Amateur mixed martial arts record=
{{MMA amateur record box
|ko-wins=1
|ko-losses=
|sub-wins=2
|sub-losses=
|dec-wins=1
|dec-losses=
|nc=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 4–0
| Erik Herman
| Decision (unanimous)
|Arena Wars: Redemption
| {{dts|2016.04.09}}
|align=center| 5
|align=center| 3:00
| Grants Pass, Oregon, United States
| {{small|Won the RPMMA Welterweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 3–0
| Daniel Pihl
| Submission (triangle choke)
|Rumble at the Roseland 85
| {{dts|2016.01.23}}
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 1:15
|Portland, Oregon, United States
| {{small|Won the FCFF Middleweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 2–0
| Michael Collazo
| TKO (punches)
|Budofights 13
| {{dts|2015.10.24}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:59
| Bend, Oregon, United States
| {{small|Middleweight debut.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 1–0
| Eric McConico
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|Battle in the Burg 3
| {{dts|2015.09.12}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:30
|Roseburg, Oregon, United States
| {{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}
{{end}}
Submission grappling record
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:80%; text-align:left;"
|-
| colspan=8 style="text-align:center;" | ? Matches, ? Wins (? Submissions), ? Losses (? Submissions), ? Draws
|-
! Result
! style="text-align:center;"| Rec.
! Opponent
! Method
! Event
! Division
! Date
! Location
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|style="text-align:center;"|2–2–0
|{{flagicon|USA}} Gabriel Checco
| Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
|Submission Underground 14
|
|May 31, 2020
| Portland, Oregon, U.S.
|-
|{{yes2}}win
|style="text-align:center;"|2–1–0
|{{flagicon|USA}} Richie Martinez
| Submission (Arm Triangle Choke)
|Submission Underground 13
|
|April 26, 2020
| Portland, Oregon, U.S.
|-
|{{yes2}}win
|style="text-align:center;"|1–1–0
|{{flagicon|USA}} Micah Brakefield
| Submission (Arm Triangle Choke)
|Submission Underground 11
|
|February 23, 2020
| Portland, Oregon, U.S.
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|style="text-align:center;"|0–1–0
|{{flagicon|USA}} Jake Shields
| Fastest Total Escape Time
|Submission Underground 8
|
|May 12, 2019
| Portland, Oregon, U.S.
|-
{{s-end}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Sherdog|206919}}
- {{Bellator|1502}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vanderford, Austin}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Middleweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling
Category:American male sport wrestlers
Category:Southern Oregon Raiders men's wrestlers
Category:People from Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska