Wikipedia

Raufeon Stots

Raufeon Stots (born December 16, 1988) is a Nigerian-American[5] professional mixed martial artist and graduated collegiate wrestler. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division of Bellator MMA, where he is a former Interim Bellator Bantamweight Champion. As a wrestler, he is a two-time NCAA Division II champion.

Raufeon Stots
Born (1988-12-16) December 16, 1988 (age 35)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Other namesSupa
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st)
DivisionBantamweight
StyleWrestling
Fighting out ofMilwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Team802 MMA (2013–2014)[1][2]
Miletich Fighting Systems (2014–2015)[1][2]
Roufusport (2015–present)[1][2]
RankBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3]
WrestlingNCAA Division II Wrestling[4]
Years active2015–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total23
Wins21
By knockout4
By submission5
By decision12
Losses2
By knockout2
UniversityUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney
Notable school(s)Klein Oak High School
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Nebraska–Kearney Lopers


NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Gold medal – first place 2012 Pueblo 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2013 Birmingham 149 lb

Background

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Stots grew up modestly in Houston, Texas, with his mother and two brothers.[2] He started wrestling in his junior year at Klein Oak High School in Klein, Texas, after the passing of his mother.[1] He then earned a scholarship at Labette Community College and became an All-American with a fourth-place finish in the NJCAA level as a freshman.[6] As a sophomore, he once again qualified for the NJCAA tournament, but did not place.[7] He then transferred to the University of Nebraska-Kearney (NCAA Division II), where he was forced to take a medical redshirt instead of a junior season.[6] When he came back as a junior, he won his first DII title with a record of 30 wins and 6 losses, helping the team reach the team title.[7] As a senior, he compiled his second NCAA title and helped the team win the team championship before graduating.[8][4]

When transferring from collegiate wrestling to mixed martial arts, Stots found that it wasn't only his work ethic but also the body awareness that helped him move over and adapt to the new sport quickly.[9]

During his transition, fellow Nebraska at Kearney wrestler-turned-MMA Kamaru Usman took Stots under his wing as a mentor. Usman was pushed to Stots by his mother due to the Nigerian roots both wrestlers shared.[9]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Stots got into mixed martial arts after being introduced to the sport by Jens Pulver and Pat Miletich.[10] After turning pro in May 2015, he compiled 8 wins and no losses before competing at a regional event featured on the Lookin' for a Fight show, in an attempt of getting signed by the UFC.[11] After losing the bout, he compiled 4 more wins before getting signed by Bellator MMA.[12][13]

Stots chose to sign with Bellator out of LFA due to where he saw the promotion heading. Stots said the signing of prospects in the sport instead of former UFC fighters was a big reason, giving him the opportunity to fight some of the best in the world. In addition to that, the Grand Prix tournaments put on by the promotion was another deciding factor for Stots.[9]

Bellator MMA

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In his promotional debut, Stots faced Cheyden Leialoha on December 21, 2019, at Bellator 236.[14] He won the bout by unanimous decision.[15]

Stots faced Cass Bell on July 24, 2020, at Bellator 242.[16] He won the match via submission in the third round.[17]

Stots faced Keith Lee at Bellator 253 on November 19, 2020. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[18]

Stots faced Josh Hill at Bellator 258 on May 7, 2021.[19] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[20]

Stots was scheduled to face Magomed Magomedov on July 31, 2021, at Bellator 263.[21] On July 19, it was announced that the bout was scratched from the event.[22] It was rescheduled for Bellator 264 on August 13, 2021.[23] Stots won the bout via unanimous decision.[24]

Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix and Interim Champ

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In the first round bout of the $1 million Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Tournament, Stots was scheduled to face Sergio Pettis for the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship on April 23, 2022, at Bellator 279.[25] However, Pettis was forced to pull out of the bout and the Grand Prix after sustaining an injury that required surgery, resulting in Juan Archuleta taking his place and the bout now being held for the Interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.[26] Stots won the bout and became the interim champion after knocking down Archuleta with a head kick and then finishing him on the ground with elbows at the beginning of the third round.[27]

In the semi-finals, Stots faced Danny Sabatello on December 9, 2022, in the main event at Bellator 289.[28] He won the fight via controversial split decision.[29] 4 out of 6 media outlets scored it for Stots.

In the finals, Stots faced Patchy Mix on April 22, 2023, at Bellator 295.[30] He lost the bout and the title, getting knocked out in the first round with a step up knee.[31]

Stots rematched Danny Sabatello on November 17, 2023, at Bellator 301.[32] In a thrilling bout, Stots won the bout via unanimous decision.[33]

Stots was scheduled to face Marcos Breno on September 7, 2024, at Bellator Champions Series 4.[34] However, the bout was removed from the event for unknown reasons.[35] The bout was rescheduled to instead take place on October 19, 2024, at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants.[36] Stots won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round.[37]

Personal life

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Stots is married to Michaela whom he met in college. She is an educator and mother. Stots has two sons, Clarence (born 2018) and Ikechukwu.[38]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Folkstyle wrestling

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
23 matches 21 wins 2 losses
By knockout 4 2
By submission 5 0
By decision 12 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 21–2 Marcos Breno Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants October 19, 2024 3 3:01 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Win 20–2 Danny Sabatello Decision (unanimous) Bellator 301 November 17, 2023 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss 19–2 Patchy Mix KO (knee) Bellator 295 April 22, 2023 1 1:20 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Final. Lost the interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Win 19–1 Danny Sabatello Decision (split) Bellator 289 December 9, 2022 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Semifinal. Defended the interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Win 18–1 Juan Archuleta KO (knee and elbows) Bellator 279 April 23, 2022 3 0:16 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. Won the interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Win 17–1 Magomed Magomedov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 264 August 13, 2021 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 16–1 Josh Hill Decision (unanimous) Bellator 258 May 7, 2021 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 15–1 Keith Lee Decision (unanimous) Bellator 253 November 19, 2020 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 14–1 Cass Bell Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 242 July 24, 2020 3 1:24 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 13–1 Cheyden Leialoha Decision (unanimous) Bellator 236 December 21, 2019 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 12–1 Ralph Acosta Decision (unanimous) LFA 68 May 31, 2019 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 11–1 Levi Mowles Decision (unanimous) LFA 55 November 30, 2018 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 10–1 Ryan Lilley TKO (punches) LFA 48 September 7, 2018 3 3:00 Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Win 9–1 Arnold Berdon Submission (rear-naked choke) VFC 59 December 16, 2017 1 4:36 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Defended the VFC Bantamweight Championship.
Loss 8–1 Merab Dvalishvili KO (spinning backfist) ROC 59 June 2, 2017 1 0:15 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States For the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship.
Win 8–0 Rob Emerson Decision (unanimous) VFC 56 April 14, 2017 5 5:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Won the VFC Bantamweight Championship.
Win 7–0 Jeff Curran Decision (unanimous) VFC 53 November 23, 2016 3 5:00 Waterloo, Iowa, United States
Win 6–0 Charlie DuBray Submission (rear-naked choke) VFC 52 July 16, 2016 2 4:52 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 5–0 William Joplin KO (punch) VFC 49 April 1, 2016 1 1:18 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 4–0 Demetrius Wilson Submission (rear-naked choke) VFC 47 January 29, 2016 3 4:45 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 3–0 Rob Menigoz Decision (unanimous) UCL: Cut Throath September 19, 2015 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 2–0 Mitch White Decision (unanimous) LFC 43 July 17, 2015 3 5:00 Hinckley, Minnesota, United States
Win 1–0 Mike Hebdon TKO (punches) EC 232 May 30, 2015 2 0:35 Clinton, Iowa, United States

NCAA record

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NCAA Division II Championships Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event
2013 NCAA (DII) Championships   at 149 lbs
Win 8–0 Jacobd Horn 4-3 March 8–9, 2013 2013 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win 7-0 James Martinez MD 12-4
Win 6–0 Ryan Maus 6-1
Win 5–0 Nate Herda 3-2
2012 NCAA (DII) Championships   at 149 lbs
Win 4–0 John Hagerty 5-4 March 9–10, 2012 2012 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Win 3-0 Ky Corley 6-1
Win 2–0 Nate Herda 8-5
Win 1–0 Nathan Link MD 12-4

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Kuhl, Dan. "Bellator 236's Raufeon Stots: He's Coming for the BBQ". Combat Press. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d Darren Potts (March 12, 2021). "The Pottscast, with Raufeon Stots" (Podcast).
  3. ^ "Raufeon Stots on Instagram: "Put ya head down and do the work! The rest will take care of itself 💪🏾🙏🏾 @danielswbjj @wanderleyjiujitsu"". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Raufeon Stots | Wrestling Instructor | Roufusport Mixed Martial Arts MMA Academy Milwaukee | Wauwatosa WI". Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  5. ^ "Lifestyle Interview: Raufeon Stots". D'IYANU. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  6. ^ a b writer, Dylan Garner / World-Herald staff (July 9, 2013). "Stots rose from adversity to accolades". Omaha.com. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  7. ^ a b "Raufeon Stots - Wrestling". University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  8. ^ "Raufeon Stots (3/12/2013) - Athlete Awards". University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c Blaine Henry (December 16, 2020). "Raufeon Stots: Title Chasing". Fight-Library.com.
  10. ^ "Roufusport's newest star, Raufeon Stots, ready for UFC call ahead of Victory FC title fight". MMA Junkie. April 13, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  11. ^ Kuhl, Dan. "Bellator 236's Raufeon Stots: He's Coming for the BBQ". Combat Press. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  12. ^ "Top bantamweight free agent Raufeon Stots signs multi-fight deal with Bellator". MMA Junkie. October 9, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  13. ^ Sherdog.com. "After Getting the 'Runaround' from UFC, Raufeon Stots Feels Wanted in Bellator MMA". Sherdog. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  14. ^ "Raufeon Stots vs. Cheyden Leialoha added to Bellator 236 main card". MMA Junkie. November 20, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  15. ^ Doherty, Dan (December 21, 2019). "Bellator 236 Results: Raufeon Stots Takes Decision in Promotional Debut". Cageside Press. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  16. ^ "Cass Bell faces toughest test yet at Bellator 242". Times-Standard. July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  17. ^ silfen, jack CYCLONE (July 25, 2020). "Bellator 242: Raufeon Stots hands Cass Bell his first loss". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  18. ^ Anderson, Jay (November 19, 2020). "Bellator 253 Results: Raufeon Stots Captures Decision Over Keith Lee". Cage Side Press. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  19. ^ King, Nolan; Hannoun, Farrah (March 4, 2021). "Raufeon Stots vs. Josh Hill in the works for Bellator 258". MMA Junkie. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  20. ^ Sherdog.com. "Bellator 258 'Archuleta vs. Pettis' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  21. ^ "Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots in the works for Bellator 263". MMA Junkie. June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  22. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (July 19, 2021). "Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots off of Bellator 263". MMA Fighting. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  23. ^ "Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots now set for Bellator 264 in August". MMA Junkie. July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  24. ^ "Bellator 264 results: Raufeon Stots outworks Magomed Magomedov, wants bantamweight tournament or title shot". MMA Junkie. August 14, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  25. ^ "Bellator 278 & 279 to be held in Hawaii, headlined by return of Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Cyborg title defense, and Bantamweight Grand Prix". KHON2. March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  26. ^ "Bellator 279 card: Sergio Pettis out of Bantamweight World Grand Prix with injury, Juan Archuleta steps in". CBSSports.com. March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  27. ^ Anderson, Jay (April 24, 2022). "Bellator 279: Raufeon Stots Scores Stupendous Knockout of Archuleta to Claim Interim Belt, Advance in Grand Prix". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  28. ^ "Stots-Sabatello, Magomedov-Mix bantamweight semifinals set for Bellator 289 in December". MMA Junkie. August 29, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  29. ^ Dewar, Val (December 9, 2022). "Bellator 289: Raufeon Stots Wins Tight Split Decision Over Danny Sabatello". Cageside Press. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  30. ^ "Raufeon Stots vs. Patchy Mix grand prix final headlines Bellator 295 on April 22 in Hawaii". MMA Junkie. February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  31. ^ Anderson, Jay (April 23, 2023). "Bellator 295: Patchy Mix Stuns with Knee Strike KO of Raufeon Stots to Win Bantamweight Grand Prix". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  32. ^ "Bellator 301 set for Chicago: 2 title fights, including Sergio Pettis vs. Patchy Mix, grand prix semifinal, grudge rematch". MMA Junkie. September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  33. ^ "Bellator 301 results: Raufeon Stots beats Danny Sabatello in thriller, rubs it in during post-fight interview". MMA Junkie. November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  34. ^ Calhoun, Curtis (July 9, 2024). "Former Bellator champ Raufeon Stots booked for return on Sept. 7". | BJPenn.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  35. ^ Guillen, Adam (August 29, 2024). "Bellator San Diego loses two fights, including Raufeon Stots vs. Marcos Breno co-main event". MMAmania.com. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  36. ^ "PFL releases full fight card for Battle of the Giants: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira". MMA Junkie. September 26, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  37. ^ Staff (October 19, 2024). "PFL Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact Results". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  38. ^ Nolan King (May 6, 2021). Raufeon Stots sees fight with main training partner Sergio Pettis. MMAjunkie.com – via YouTube.
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