Chris Camozzi
American mixed martial arts fighter (born 1986)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christopher Allen Camozzi[1] (born November 20, 1986) is an American professional Glory kickboxer, mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer. He currently competes for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he is a former BKFC Cruiserweight World Champion. A professional MMA competitor since 2006, Camozzi has formerly competed in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, MFC, Shark Fights, HDNet Fights, and was also a contestant on Spike TV's 11th season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2010.[8]
November 20, 1986
Alameda, California, U.S.
Middleweight
| Chris Camozzi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Christopher Allen Camozzi[1] November 20, 1986 Alameda, California, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) |
| Division | Light heavyweight Middleweight |
| Reach | 78 in (200 cm)[2] |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of | Lakewood, Colorado, U.S. |
| Team | Gumm MMA & Fitness (formerly)[3] Factory X Muay Thai (2010–2020)[4] Genesis Training Center (2020–present)[5] |
| Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Steve Hordinski[6][7] |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 4 |
| Wins | 3 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 42 |
| Wins | 27 |
| By knockout | 8 |
| By submission | 7 |
| By decision | 12 |
| Losses | 15 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 6 |
| By decision | 8 |
| Bare-knuckle boxing record | |
| Total | 6 |
| Wins | 4 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| Losses | 2 |
| By knockout | 0 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
As of April 13, 2026, he is #1 in the BKFC cruiserweight rankings.[9]
Background
Camozzi is from Alameda, California and competed in wrestling and rugby in high school. Camozzi then continued his rugby career at Fort Lewis College, but soon dropped out and headed back home to train in Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A coach of Camozzi's, who had fought in some of the earlier UFC events, asked Camozzi if he was interested in mixed martial arts, and Camozzi soon began his career.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Camozzi fought former Ultimate Fighter competitor Jesse Taylor for the King of Champions Middleweight Championship. After three rounds, the judges declared Taylor the winner, giving him the title.
The Ultimate Fighter
Camozzi signed to take part in the eleventh season of the Ultimate Fighter. Camozzi's preliminary fight to get into the house was against Victor O'Donnell. After three hard-fought rounds between the two of them, Camozzi was declared the winner. However, the damage to both competitors was noticeable, with O'Donnell walking away with a severely fractured orbital bone and Camozzi entering the house with a broken jaw.
This damage to Camozzi proved to be the end of his run on the show, as during the third episode of the season, Dana White informed Camozzi that he had to withdraw from the competition due to his injury. Seth Baczynski stepped in as Camozzi's replacement.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Though Camozzi was removed from the show, he fought at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale against James Hammortree.[10] Camozzi won a unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, 30–27).
Camozzi's next fight was at UFC 121 against Korean UFC newcomer Dongi Yang.[11] Yang began the fight with a successful takedown, followed by ground-and-pound. After standing up, Camozzi was able to keep Yang at bay with kicks, before engaging in the clinch. However, Yang's thick neck and shoulders prevented effective attacks. Later, Camozzi was able to effectively time the advance of Yang. In the third, Yang began to tire and swing wildly, to no avail. Camozzi was declared the winner via split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28).
Camozzi faced off against Kyle Noke on February 27, 2011, at UFC 127.[12] He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.[13]
Shark Fights
Following his release from the UFC, Camozzi faced Joey Villaseñor at Shark Fights 15. The fight was initially ruled a draw, but was subsequently overturned and counted as a split decision win for Camozzi by the New Mexico Athletic Commission when it was revealed one of the judge's scores was added incorrectly.[14]
Return to the UFC
It was announced on September 12 that Camozzi had re-signed with the UFC.[15] He faced UFC newcomer Francis Carmont on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137. After a back and forth fight, Camozzi lost via unanimous decision.
In his next fight, Camozzi defeated Dustin Jacoby via third-round guillotine choke submission on January 28, 2012, at UFC on Fox 2.[16]
Camozzi faced Nick Catone on June 22, 2012, at UFC on FX 4.[17] In the third round, Camozzi struck Catone with a knee to the head opening a giant cut, causing the doctor to step in and force a TKO (doctor stoppage) at 1:51 of the third round.
Camozzi was expected to face Buddy Roberts on August 11, 2012, at UFC 150.[18] However, Camozzi was injured and pulled out of the bout.[19]
Camozzi fought Brazilian Luiz Cané on October 13, 2012, at UFC 153.[20] He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Camozzi next faced Nick Ring on March 16, 2013, at UFC 158.[21] He won the fight via split decision.
Camozzi was expected to face Cezar Ferreira on May 18, 2013, at UFC on FX 8, replacing an injured C.B. Dollaway.[22] However, on April 7, Ferreira pulled out of the fight as well, citing an injury and was replaced by Rafael Natal.[23] Then in early May, Camozzi was pulled from the matchup with Natal in favor of a matchup with Ronaldo Souza after Souza's scheduled opponent Costas Philippou pulled out of the bout with an injury.[24] He lost the fight via technical submission due to an arm-triangle choke submission in the first round.
Camozzi next faced Lorenz Larkin on November 6, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 31.[25] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Camozzi was expected to face Andrew Craig on April 11, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 39.[26] However, the fight was cancelled on the day of the weigh-ins as Craig was ruled out with an illness.[27]
Camozzi faced Bruno Santos on July 5, 2014, at UFC 175.[28] He lost the fight via split decision.
A rescheduled bout with Rafael Natal took place on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.[29] Natal defeated Camozzi via split decision.[30]
After losing four consecutive fights Camozzi was released by the UFC for a second time.[31]
Third UFC Stint
On the heels of two wins on the regional circuit, Camozzi replaced an injured Yoel Romero and faced Ronaldo Souza in a rematch on April 18, 2015, at UFC on Fox 15.[32] He lost the fight via submission due to an armbar in the first round.[33]
Camozzi faced Tom Watson on August 8, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 73.[34] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[35]
Camozzi next faced Joe Riggs on February 21, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 83.[36] He won the fight via TKO in the first round due to a series of knees.[37] He was also awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[38]
Camozzi faced Vitor Miranda on May 29, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 88.[39] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[40]
Camozzi faced Thales Leites on August 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 92.[41] He lost the fight by submission due to a rear-naked choke in the third round.[42]
Camozzi next faced Dan Kelly on November 27, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 101.[43] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[44]
Camozzi was expected to face Magnus Cedenblad on May 28, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 109.[45] However, Cedenblad was removed from the card on March 27 and replaced by Trevor Smith.[46] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[47]
On June 2, 2017, Camozzi announced the expiry of his UFC contract and that he is now a free agent.[48]
Absolute Championship Berkut
Camozzi was scheduled to face Thiago Silva on June 16, 2018, at ACB 88 in Brisbane, Australia.[49] However, the fight got canceled two days before the event due to Silva's visa complications.[50]
He then faced Muslim Magomedov at ACA 93: Balaev vs Zhamaldaev on March 16, 2019. He lost the fight via third-round stoppage.[51]
He faced Tony Lopez at SCL 76 on September 6, 2019. He won the fight via first-round submission.[52]
Professional Fighters League
Camozzi faced 2019 PFL Light Heavyweight tournament winner Emiliano Sordi on April 29, 2021, at PFL 2 as the start of the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight tournament.[53] He lost a close back and forth bout via unanimous decision.[54]
Camozzi faced Cezar Ferreira at PFL 5 on June 17, 2021.[55] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[56]
Camozzi faced Cory Hendricks on August 27, 2021, at PFL 9.[57] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[58]
Bare-knuckle fighting
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
In Camozzi's BKFC debut, he faced Bubba McDaniel on October 15, 2022 at BKFC 31 and won by first-round knockout.[59]
Camozzi next faced Daniel Spohn on April 21, 2023 at BKFC 41 and won by knockout in the first round.[60]
Camozzi faced Lorenzo Hunt for the BKFC Cruiserweight Championship at BKFC 50 on September 22, 2023 in the main event and lost by split decision.[61]
Camozzi defeated Sawyer Depee by knockout in the first round to win the vacant BKFC Cruiserweight Championship on October 25, 2024 at BKFC 67 Denver: Camozzi vs. Depee in the main event.[62]
Camozzi was scheduled to defend his title in a rematch against former champion Lorenzo Hunt on April 26, 2025 at BKFC 73 in the main event.[63] On April 12, 2025, it was announced that Hunt sustained an injury and pulled out, while Camozzi was expected to face a new opponent.[64] On April 15, 2025, it was announced that Camozzi would face Andrea Bicchi.[65][66] Camozzi won the fight by unanimous decision.[67]
Camozzi faced Alessio Sakara on October 25, 2025 at BKFC 83.[68] He lost the championship by split decision.[69]
Camozzi is scheduled to face Esteban Rodriguez for the interlim BKFC Cruiserweight Championship on April 17, 2026 at BKFC 88.[70]
Personal life
Camozzi previously owned and operated an MMA gear and clothing distribution company, Performance MMA, in Englewood, Colorado.[71][5]
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Joe Riggs
- Prize Fighting Championship
- Prize FC Middleweight Championship (One time)
- One successful title defense
- Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
- BKFC Cruiserweight World Champion (One time, former)
- One successful defense
- BKFC Cruiserweight World Champion (One time, former)
Mixed martial arts record
| 42 matches | 27 wins | 15 losses |
| By knockout | 7 | 1 |
| By submission | 8 | 6 |
| By decision | 12 | 8 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 27–15 | Cory Hendricks | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 9 | August 27, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 26–15 | Cezar Ferreira | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 5 | June 17, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Loss | 25–15 | Emiliano Sordi | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 2 | April 29, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 25–14 | Tony Lopez | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | SCL 76 | September 6, 2019 | 1 | 3:11 | Golden, Colorado, United States | |
| Loss | 24–14 | Muslim Magomedov | TKO (doctor stoppage) | ACA 93: Balaev vs Zhamaldaev | March 16, 2019 | 3 | 1:02 | St. Petersburg, Russia | Light Heavyweight debut. |
| Loss | 24–13 | Trevor Smith | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Teixeira | May 28, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| Loss | 24–12 | Dan Kelly | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Brunson | November 27, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Melbourne, Australia | |
| Loss | 24–11 | Thales Leites | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Caceres | August 6, 2016 | 3 | 2:58 | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | |
| Win | 24–10 | Vitor Miranda | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt | May 29, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 23–10 | Joe Riggs | TKO (knees) | UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Cowboy | February 21, 2016 | 1 | 0:26 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 22–10 | Tom Watson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Teixeira vs. Saint Preux | August 8, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Nashville, Tennessee, United States | Watson was deducted one point in round two for groin strikes. |
| Loss | 21–10 | Ronaldo Souza | Submission (armbar) | UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold | April 18, 2015 | 1 | 2:33 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 21–9 | Wes Swofford | TKO (leg kick) | Prize FC 8 | March 6, 2015 | 1 | 1:25 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Defended the Prize FC Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 20–9 | Jeremy Kimball | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Prize FC 7: Rock N' Rumble | November 21, 2014 | 1 | 3:33 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Won the Prize FC Middleweight Championship. |
| Loss | 19–9 | Rafael Natal | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi | September 5, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States | |
| Loss | 19–8 | Bruno Santos | Decision (split) | UFC 175 | July 5, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 19–7 | Lorenz Larkin | Decision (unanimous) | UFC: Fight for the Troops 3 | November 6, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States | |
| Loss | 19–6 | Ronaldo Souza | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold | May 18, 2013 | 1 | 3:37 | Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil | |
| Win | 19–5 | Nick Ring | Decision (split) | UFC 158 | March 16, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| Win | 18–5 | Luiz Cané | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 153 | October 13, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | |
| Win | 17–5 | Nick Catone | TKO (doctor stoppage) | UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida | June 22, 2012 | 3 | 1:51 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 16–5 | Dustin Jacoby | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis | January 28, 2012 | 3 | 1:08 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 15–5 | Francis Carmont | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 137 | October 29, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 15–4 | Joey Villaseñor | Decision (split) | Shark Fights 15: Villaseñor vs Camozzi | May 27, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States | Initial result was incorrectly scored a draw. |
| Loss | 14–4 | Kyle Noke | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 127 | February 27, 2011 | 1 | 1:35 | Sydney, Australia | |
| Win | 14–3 | Dongi Yang | Decision (split) | UFC 121 | October 23, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | |
| Win | 13–3 | James Hammortree | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale | June 19, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 12–3 | Chad Reiner | Submission (anaconda choke) | King of Champions: Rage | November 14, 2009 | 2 | 4:55 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 11–3 | Darin Brudigan | Submission (triangle choke) | VFC 27: Mayhem | May 1, 2009 | 1 | 4:34 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 10–3 | Jesse Taylor | Decision (unanimous) | King of Champions: Shockwave 2009 | March 28, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Denver, Colorado, United States | For the King of Champions Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 10–2 | Victor Moreno | Submission (guillotine choke) | MTXAFN 2: Evolution | January 9, 2009 | 2 | 0:31 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 9–2 | Elliot Duff | Decision (unanimous) | MFC 18: Famous | September 26, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Loss | 8–2 | Nick Rossborough | Submission (triangle choke) | Premier Championship Fighting 3 | June 21, 2008 | 3 | 2:46 | Longmont, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 8–1 | Dwayne Lewis | Decision (unanimous) | MFC 16: Anger Management | May 9, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Loss | 7–1 | Jesse Forbes | Submission (armbar) | MFC 15: Rags to Riches | February 22, 2008 | 3 | 1:45 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 7–0 | Donnie Liles | TKO (punches) | Elite Fighting Extreme 1 | November 10, 2007 | 1 | 4:58 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 6–0 | Tony Barker | TKO (punches) | RMBB & PCF 1 | October 16, 2007 | 2 | 2:22 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 | Aaron Truxell | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Tap or Snap | August 18, 2007 | 1 | 1:45 | Castle Rock, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Spencer Hooker | Decision (split) | Kickdown Classic 37 | May 12, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Loveland, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Joe Serna | Verbal Submission (knee injury) | RMBB: Nuclear Assault | March 17, 2007 | 2 | 0:50 | Sheridan, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Gary Borum | TKO (punches) | Kickdown Classic 35 | March 2, 2007 | 1 | 3:19 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Damon Clark | TKO (punches) | Kickdown Classic 27 | July 15, 2006 | 1 | 3:03 | Denver, Colorado, United States |
Mixed martial arts exhibition record
| Exhibition record breakdown | ||
| 1 match | 1 win | 0 losses |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 1–0 | Victor O'Donnell | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz | March 31, 2010 (air date) | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Elimination bout. |
Kickboxing record
| Professional kickboxing record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 wins (2 KOs), 2 loss, 0 draw | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | Record |
| 2018-11-02 | Loss |  Ryot Waller | Glory 72: Chicago | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Decision (Split) | 3 | 3:00 | 3–2 |
| 2018-11-02 | Win | Myron Dennis | Glory 61: New York | New York City, New York, United States | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | 3–1 |
| 2018-08-10 | Win | John King | Glory 56: Denver | Broomfield, Colorado, United States | TKO (strikes) | 2 | 2:48 | 2–1 |
| 2018-03-31 | Loss | Mike Lemaire | Glory 52: Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California, United States | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | 1–1 |
| 2017-12-01 | Win | Kyle Weickhardt | Glory 48: New York | New York City, New York United States | TKO (Corner Stoppage) | 2 | 3:00 | 1–0 |
|
Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||
Bare knuckle boxing record
| 6 matches | 4 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 3 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 2 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 4–2 | Alessio Sakara | Decision (split) | BKFC 83 | October 25, 2025 | 5 | 2:00 | Rome, Italy | Lost the BKFC Cruiserweight Championship. |
| Win | 4–1 | Andrea Bicchi | Decision (unanimous) | BKFC 73 | April 26, 2025 | 5 | 2:00 | Florence, Italy | Defended the BKFC Cruiserweight Championship. |
| Win | 3–1 | Sawyer Depee | KO | BKFC 67 | October 25, 2024 | 1 | 1:06 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Won the vacant BKFC Cruiserweight Championship. |
| Loss | 2–1 | Lorenzo Hunt | Decision (split) | BKFC 50 | September 22, 2023 | 5 | 2:00 | Denver, Colorado, United States | For the BKFC Cruiserweight Championship. |
| Win | 2–0 | Daniel Spohn | KO | BKFC 41 | April 29, 2023 | 1 | 2:00 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Bubba McDaniel | KO (punch) | BKFC 31 | October 15, 2022 | 1 | 0:37 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States |