Nigerian American collegiate wrestler and mixed martial artist
Raufeon Stots (born December 16, 1988) is an American 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.
Background
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.[5] As a sophomore, he once again qualified for the NJCAA tournament, but did not place.[6] 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.[5] 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.[6] As a senior, he compiled his second NCAA title and helped the team win the team championship before graduating.[7][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.[8]
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.[8]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Stots got into mixed martial arts after being introduced to the sport by Jens Pulver and Pat Miletich.[9] 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.[10] After losing the bout, he compiled 4 more wins before getting signed by Bellator MMA.[11][12]
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.[8]
Bellator MMA
In his promotional debut, Stots faced Cheyden Leialoha on December 21, 2019, at Bellator 236.[13] He won the bout by unanimous decision.[14]
Stots faced Cass Bell on July 24, 2020, at Bellator 242.[15] He won the match via submission in the third round.[16]
Stots faced Keith Lee at Bellator 253 on November 19, 2020. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[17]
Stots faced Josh Hill at Bellator 258 on May 7, 2021.[18] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[19]
Stots was scheduled to face Magomed Magomedov on July 31, 2021, at Bellator 263.[20] On July 19, it was announced that the bout was scratched from the event.[21] It was rescheduled for Bellator 264 on August 13, 2021.[22] Stots won the bout via unanimous decision.[23]
Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix and Interim Champ
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.[24] 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.[25] 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.[26]
In the semi-finals, Stots faced Danny Sabatello on December 9, 2022, in the main event at Bellator 289.[27] He won the fight via split decision.[28] 6 out of 6 media outlets scored it for Stots.
In the finals, Stots faced Patchy Mix on April 22, 2023, at Bellator 295.[29] He lost the bout and the title, getting knocked out in the first round with a step up knee.[30]
Stots rematched Danny Sabatello on November 17, 2023, at Bellator 301.[31] In a thrilling bout, Stots won the bout via unanimous decision.[32]
Personal life
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.[33]
NCAA record
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
