Waachiim Spiritwolf

Waachiim Spiritwolf is a Native American professional mixed martial artist who last competed in the Welterweight division. A professional competitor since from 2006 until 2015, he competed for King of the Cage, Tachi Palace Fights, Bellator, and Strikeforce.

Waachiim Spiritwolf
Born (1976-02-06) February 6, 1976[1]
Pala Indian Reservation, California, United States
Other namesThe Native Warrior[2]
ResidenceFresno, California, United States
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight170.6 lb (77.4 kg; 12.19 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Reach69.0 in (175 cm)
StanceSouthpaw
Fighting out ofSan Diego, California, United States
TeamSpiritwolf MMA
Years active2006–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total28
Wins12
By knockout8
By submission1
By decision3
Losses13
By knockout4
By submission1
By decision8
Draws1
No contests2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Spiritwolf is from the Pala Indian Reservation and represents the Navajo and Yaqui tribes. In high school, he was a talented wrestler and was also a captain of his football team, playing the inside linebacker position. He was introduced to mixed martial arts when he began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with his friend and professional mixed martial artist, Dean Lister. Spiritwolf had known Lister since he was in middle school and both of them were fans of mixed martial arts, watching UFC fights together. Lister is also the godfather of Spiritwolf's son.[3] Spiritwolf coaches wrestling at Scripps Ranch High School.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

After competing for local events and King of the Cage, Spiritwolf was booked for the main card of the Ultimate Chaos pay-per-view. Prior to the bout, Spiritwolf accused his heavily-favored opponent Brett Cooper of looking ahead to his August 1 bout at Affliction: Trilogy in favor of their fight.[4] Spiritwolf was able to get the upset and knocked out Cooper in the first round. Spiritwolf also received a notable win over UFC veteran Crafton Wallace,[5] before signing with Strikeforce in late-2010.

King of the Cage

In December 2008, Spiritwolf signed with California based promotion King of the Cage. He made his debut for the promotion on December 11, 2008, facing Ricky Legere at KOTC: Prowler. Spiritwolf won the bout via second round TKO.[6] In his second fight for the promotion, Spiritwolf faced Ricky Legere in a rematch at KOTC: Distorted on October 1, 2009, for the KOTC Welterweight Championship.[7] He lost the bout via TKO.[8]

He then faced Ismael Gonzalez at KOTC: Arrival on February 25, 2010. The bout was ruled a technical draw, after Spiritwolf landed a punch to the back of the head, to which Gonzalez subsequently claimed that he couldn't see straight.[9]

Strikeforce

Spiritwolf signed with Strikeforce to fight undefeated Billy Evangelista in a 165-Catchweight bout at Strikeforce Challengers: Bowling vs. Voelker.[10] Spiritwolf started off the first round by knocking down Evangelista, and then landed another takedown, using the ground and pound technique. Spiritwolf landed three more takedowns in the second round, but Evangelista seemed to have a better round, landing punches and more knees from the clinch. The 34-year-old Spiritwolf seemed to be tired during the third round as Evangelista landed combinations, but continued to hold his own, demonstrating his true heart by answering back with some big punches, and then slamming the undefeated Evangelista in the final ten seconds. However, Evangelista would remain undefeated as the judges scored the contest in favor of him, making Evangelista the winner via unanimous decision.

Spiritwolf said after the fight he should have won. "I come to fight and that's what I did tonight," he said. "It is bad enough I thought I deserved the decision, but to not get a round on those scorecards is ridiculous. Honestly, I feel I got ripped off."[11]

Spiritwolf fought DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius Zaromskis at Strikeforce Challengers: Wilcox vs. Ribeiro.[1] However, the bout was declared a no contest six seconds into the first round after Spiritwolf was accidentally poked in the eye.[12]

Bellator

Spiritwolf made his debut for Bellator in March 2011. He faced Jaime Jara at Bellator 35 and won the back-and-forth battle via split decision.[13][14] Although the bout took place on the unaired preliminary portion of the card, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney stated that fan interest to see the fight convinced him to air it during the following week's Bellator 36 airing on MTV2.[15]

In his second fight for the promotion, Spiritwolf faced Marius Žaromskis in a rematch.[16] Spiritwolf weighed in a pound and a half overweight and was forced to forfeit part of his purse. Once again, the contest between the two ended in controversy as the doctor stopped the fight between rounds two and three due to a cut suffered by Spiritwolf, giving Žaromskis the TKO win.[17]

Due to the controversial nature of this stoppage, Spiritwolf and Marius Žaromskis had a rematch - the third fight between the two - at Bellator 72.[18] He lost the fight via split decision.[19]

Spiritwolf returned to the promotion on March 21, 2013 to face former UFC veteran Marcus Davis at Bellator 93. Unfortunately, the bout ended in a no contest when Davis hit Spiritwolf with a knee to the groin, in the first round and he could not continue.[20]

Independent promotions

Spiritwolf faced Morten Djursaa at EUMMA 5 on April 19, 2013.[21] He lost the bout via KO, less than a minute within the fight.[22] He then got his first win since his Bellator debut, when he defeated James Chaney at Shinzo Fight Sport on August 16, 2013, via second round TKO.[23]

He faced independent prospect Max Griffin at TWC 19 on January 15, 2014.[24] He lost the fight via split decision.[25] Spiritwolf was expected to face Angel Deanda at Tachi Palace Fights 20 on August 7, 2014. However, the bout would be cancelled for unknown reasons.[26]

Championships and accomplishments
  • World Fighting Championships
    • WFC Welterweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
28 matches 12 wins 13 losses
By knockout 8 4
By submission 1 1
By decision 3 8
Draws 1
No contests 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 12–13–1 (2) J.C. Llamas Decision (unanimous) TWC 22: The Warriors Cage June 26, 2015 3 5:00 Porterville, California, United States Catchweight (175 lbs) bout.
Win 11–13–1 (2) Edward Darby TKO (punches) XPS: Wasteland November 8, 2014 1 1:51 Valley Center, California, United States
Loss 10–13–1 (2) Max Griffin Decision (split) TWC 1: Blackout January 25, 2014 3 5:00 Porterville, California, United States
Win 10–12–1 (2) James Chaney TKO (punches) Shinzo Fight Sport August 16, 2013 2 4:07 Guatemala City, Guatemala
Loss 9–12–1 (2) Morten Djursaa KO (head kick and punches) EUMMA 5 April 19, 2013 1 0:40 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark For the EUMMA Welterweight Championship.[27]
NC 9–11–1 (2) Marcus Davis NC (knee to the groin) Bellator 93 March 21, 2013 1 3:05 Lewiston, Maine, United States Spiritwolf could not continue after an illegal knee to the groin by Davis.
Loss 9–11–1 (1) Marius Žaromskis Decision (split) Bellator 72 July 20, 2012 3 5:00 Tampa, Florida, United States
Loss 9–10–1 (1) Marius Žaromskis TKO (cut) Bellator 68 May 11, 2012 2 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Catchweight (172 lbs) bout.
Loss 9–9–1 (1) Michael Madrid Decision (unanimous) Samurai MMA Pro 2011 October 21, 2011 3 5:00 Culver City, California, United States
Loss 9–8–1 (1) Jorge Lopez Decision (unanimous) TPF 9: The Contenders May 5, 2011 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (172 lbs) bout.
Win 9–7–1 (1) Jaime Jara Decision (split) Bellator 35 March 5, 2011 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (175 lbs) bout.
NC 8–7–1 (1) Marius Žaromskis NC (eye poke) Strikeforce Challengers: Wilcox vs. Ribeiro November 19, 2010 1 0:06 Jackson, Mississippi, United States Accidental eye poke by Žaromskis.
Loss 8–7–1 Billy Evangelista Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce Challengers: Bowling vs. Voelker October 22, 2010 3 5:00 Fresno, California, United States Catchweight (165 lbs) bout.
Loss 8–6–1 Delson Heleno Decision (unanimous) AOF 9: Apocalypse September 4, 2010 3 5:00 Jacksonville, Florida, United States For the AOF Welterweight Championship.[28]
Win 8–5–1 Crafton Wallace TKO (doctor stoppage) AOF 8: Fury May 22, 2010 1 5:00 Estero, Florida, United States
Win 7–5–1 Fernando Bettega Decision (unanimous) Collision in the Cage March 20, 2010 3 5:00 Irvine, California, United States
Draw 6–5–1 Ismael Gonzalez Technical draw KOTC: Arrival February 25, 2010 1 4:00 Highland, California, United States
Loss 6–5 Ricky Legere TKO (punches) KOTC: Distorted October 1, 2009 2 2:25 Highland, California, United States For the KOTC Welterweight Championship.
Win 6–4 Brett Cooper TKO (punches) FFI: Ultimate Chaos June 27, 2009 1 3:41 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 5–4 Ricky Legere KO (punch) KOTC: Prowler December 11, 2008 2 0:16 Highland, California, United States
Loss 4–4 Ross Ebañez TKO (cut) ROTR: Beatdown 9 October 18, 2008 1 2:53 Hawaii, United States
Win 4–3 Danny Ruiz KO (punches) WFC 6: Battle in the Bay March 22, 2008 1 4:31 Tampa, Florida, United States Won the WFC Welterweight Championship.[29]
Loss 3–3 Shamar Bailey Decision (unanimous) Revolution Fight League 1 December 1, 2007 3 5:00 Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Win 3–2 Roger Krahl Submission (guillotine choke) World Fighting Championships 5 October 26, 2007 1 4:14 Tampa, Florida, United States
Loss 2–2 Kenneth Alexander Submission (injury) Tuff-N-Uff 3 June 22, 2007 1 4:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 2–1 Enrique Luna TKO (strikes) Clash of the Titans 4 December 4, 2006 2 1:11 Tijuana, Mexico
Loss 1–1 Kyle Brees Decision (split) RITC 83: Rampage June 10, 2006 3 3:00 Arizona, United States
Win 1–0 Anthony Soto TKO (punches) Cage of Fire 1 April 22, 2006 1 3:42 Tijuana, Mexico

References
  1. "Waachiim Spiritwolf MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog.com. 2012-01-09.
  2. "Waachiim Spiritwolf Profile". tapology.oom. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  3. "Spirited away: Interview with Bellator 72 welterweight Waachiim Spiritwolf (Part one)". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2014-04-19.
  4. "Sapp taps to Lashley's attack, Yvel crushes "The Rock" at "Ultimate Chaos" event". MMAJunkie.com. 2010-06-29.
  5. "Art of Fighting 8 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. May 22, 2010.
  6. "Cali Beat - King of The Cage - Prowler". mmahawaii.com. December 11, 2008.
  7. "Spiritwolf Goes for KOTC Gold on Thursday". mmaweekly.com. September 30, 2009.
  8. "KOTC: Distorted Official Results". kingofthecage.com. October 1, 2009.
  9. "King of the Cage: Arrival Results". cagedinsider.com. February 24, 2010.
  10. "Bowling-Voelker Rematch Headlines Strikeforce Challengers 11". MMAJunkie.com. 2010-09-14.
  11. "Strikeforce adds Marius Zaromskis vs Waachiim Spiritwolf to 'Challengers' card on Nov. 19 in Jackson". mmamania.com. November 4, 2010.
  12. "Eye Poke Steals the Show at Strikeforce Challengers". mmafighting.com. November 20, 2010.
  13. "Spiritwolf vs. Jara, other bouts added to Bellator 35 preliminary card". mmajunkie.com. February 21, 2011.
  14. "Bellator 35 Results & Live Play-by-Play". sherdog.com. March 5, 2011.
  15. "Twitter / BjornRebney: Fans wanted it, so you got". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2014-04-19.
  16. "Marius Zaromskis vs. Waachiim Spiritwolf rematch added to Bellator 68". mmajunkie.com. April 5, 2012.
  17. "Bellator 68 Results: Straus Decisions Sandro, Galvao Edges Marx". bloodyelbow.com. May 11, 2012.
  18. "Waachiim Spiritwolf and Marius Zaromskis Scheduled for a Third Inconclusive Bout at Bellator 72". cagepotato.com. June 4, 2012.
  19. "Bellator 72 Recap: Amoussou Takes Tournament, Zaromskis vs. Spiritwolf Finally Ends Without Controversy". cagepotato.com. July 20, 2012.
  20. "Bellator 93 Main Card Recaps: Martinez Notches Victory, Davis-Spiritwolf Ends in Controversy". mmafrenzy.com. March 21, 2013.
  21. "Waachiim SpiritWolf Headlines European MMA 5 in Denmark". kingdommma.co.uk. March 3, 2013.
  22. "Live Results : European MMA 5". mmaviking.com. April 19, 2013.
  23. "Shinzo Fight Sport 08/16/13 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. August 16, 2013.
  24. "Waachiim Spiritwolf vs. Max Griffin Headlines TWC: Blackout (Fight Card)". centralmma.com. December 17, 2013.
  25. "Congratulations Max on win over Waachiim Spiritwolf". marinobles.com. January 25, 2014.
  26. "TPF 20: Angel Deanda vs. Waachiim Spiritwolf". tapology.com. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  27. "European MMA 5 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. April 19, 2013.
  28. "Art Of Fighting 9/4/10 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. September 4, 2010.
  29. "World Fighting Championships: Battle in the Bay Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. March 22, 2008.
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