Raufeon Stots
Other namesSupa
Birth dateDecember 16, 1988 (age 37)
Birth placeHouston, Texas, U.S.
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st)
Weight classBantamweight
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
Mma kowin4
Mma subwin5
Mma decwin12
Mma koloss2
Mma decloss1
UniversityUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney
SchoolKlein Oak High School
Sherdog175345
MedaltemplatesNebraska–Kearney Lopers
Show-medalsyes

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 the Professional Fighters League. He previously competed in Bellator MMA, where he is a former interim Bellator Bantamweight Champion. As a wrestler, he is a two-time NCAA Division II champion. As of April 21, 2026, he is #3 in the PFL bantamweight rankings.[5]

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.[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 wrestler-turned-mixed martial artist Kamaru Usman, took Stots under his wing as a mentor.[9]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

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

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

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]

Professional Fighters League

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]

Stots next faced Sergio Pettis at PFL 7 on June 27, 2025. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[38]

Stots faced Renat Khavalov at PFL Chicago: Pettis vs. McKee on April 11, 2026, and lost the bout via unanimous decision.[39]

Personal life

Stots is married to Michaela whom he met in college. She is an educator and mother. Stots has two sons.[40]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Folkstyle wrestling

Mixed martial arts record

|- |Loss |align=center|21–4 |Renat Khavalov |Decision (unanimous) |PFL Chicago: Pettis vs. McKee |April 11, 2026 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Chicago, Illinois, United States | |- |Loss |align=center|21–3 |Sergio Pettis |Decision (unanimous) |PFL 7 (2025) |June 27, 2025 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Chicago, Illinois, United States | |- |Win |align=center|21–2 |Marcos Breno |Submission (rear-naked choke) |PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants |October 19, 2024 |align=center|3 |align=center|3:01 |Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | |- |Win |align=center|20–2 |Danny Sabatello |Decision (unanimous) |Bellator 301 |November 17, 2023 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Chicago, Illinois, United States | |- |Loss |align=center|19–2 |Patchy Mix |KO (knee) |Bellator 295 |April 22, 2023 |align=center|1 |align=center|1:20 |Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Final. Lost the interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. |- |Win |align=center|19–1 |Danny Sabatello |Decision (split) |Bellator 289 |December 9, 2022 |align=center|5 |align=center|5:00 |Uncasville, Connecticut, United States |Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Semifinal. Defended the interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. |- |Win |align=center| 18–1 | Juan Archuleta | KO (head kick and elbows) | Bellator 279 | April 23, 2022 | align=center|3 | align=center|0:16 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. Won the interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. |- |Win |align=center| 17–1 |Magomed Magomedov |Decision (unanimous) |Bellator 264 |August 13, 2021 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |- |Win |align=center| 16–1 |Josh Hill |Decision (unanimous) |Bellator 258 |May 7, 2021 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |- |Win |align=center|15–1 |Keith Lee |Decision (unanimous) |Bellator 253 |November 19, 2020 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |- |Win |align=center|14–1 |Cass Bell |Submission (rear-naked choke) |Bellator 242 |July 24, 2020 |align=center|3 |align=center|1:24 |Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |- |Win |align=center|13–1 |Cheyden Leialoha |Decision (unanimous) |Bellator 236 |December 21, 2019 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |- |Win |align=center|12–1 |Ralph Acosta |Decision (unanimous) |LFA 68 |May 31, 2019 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Dallas, Texas, United States | |- |Win |align=center|11–1 |Levi Mowles |Decision (unanimous) |LFA 55 |November 30, 2018 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Dallas, Texas, United States | |- |Win |align=center|10–1 |Ryan Lilley |TKO (punches) |LFA 48 |September 7, 2018 |align=center|3 |align=center|3:00 |Kearney, Nebraska, United States | |- |Win |align=center|9–1 |Arnold Berdon |Submission (rear-naked choke) |Victory FC 59 |December 16, 2017 |align=center|1 |align=center|4:36 |Omaha, Nebraska, United States ||Defended the VFC Bantamweight Championship. |- |Loss |align=center|8–1 |Merab Dvalishvili |KO (spinning backfist) |Ring of Combat 59 |June 2, 2017 |align=center|1 |align=center|0:15 |Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States ||For the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship. |- |Win |align=center|8–0 |Rob Emerson |Decision (unanimous) |Victory FC 56 |April 14, 2017 |align=center|5 |align=center|5:00 |Omaha, Nebraska, United States |Won the VFC Bantamweight Championship. |- |Win |align=center|7–0 |Jeff Curran |Decision (unanimous) |Victory FC 53 |November 23, 2016 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Waterloo, Iowa, United States | |- |Win |align=center|6–0 |Charlie DuBray |Submission (rear-naked choke) |Victory FC 52 |July 16, 2016 |align=center|2 |align=center|4:52 |Omaha, Nebraska, United States | |- |Win |align=center|5–0 |William Joplin |KO (punch) |Victory FC 49 |April 1, 2016 |align=center|1 |align=center|1:18 |Omaha, Nebraska, United States | |- |Win |align=center|4–0 |Demetrius Wilson |Submission (rear-naked choke) |Victory FC 47 |January 29, 2016 |align=center|3 |align=center|4:45 |Omaha, Nebraska, United States | |- |Win |align=center|3–0 |Rob Menigoz |Decision (unanimous) |United Combat League: Cut Throath |September 19, 2015 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Hammond, Indiana, United States | |- |Win |align=center|2–0 |Mitch White |Decision (unanimous) |Legacy FC 43 |July 17, 2015 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Hinckley, Minnesota, United States |Bantamweight debut. |- |Win |align=center|1–0 |Mike Hebdon |TKO (punches) |Extreme Challenge 232 |May 30, 2015 |align=center|2 |align=center|0:35 |Clinton, Iowa, United States |Lightweight debut.

NCAA record

! colspan="8"| NCAA Division II Championships Matches |- ! Res. ! Record ! Opponent ! Score ! Date ! Event |- ! style=background:white colspan=6 |2013 NCAA (DII) Championships at 149 lbs |- |Win |8–0 |align=left|Jacobd Horn |style="font-size:88%"|4-3 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 8–9, 2013 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2013 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships |- |Win |7-0 |align=left|James Martinez |style="font-size:88%"|MD 12-4 |- |Win |6–0 |align=left|Ryan Maus |style="font-size:88%"|6-1 |- |Win |5–0 |align=left|Nate Herda |style="font-size:88%"|3-2 |- ! style=background:white colspan=6 |2012 NCAA (DII) Championships at 149 lbs |- |Win |4–0 |align=left|John Hagerty |style="font-size:88%"|5-4 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 9–10, 2012 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2012 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships |- |Win |3-0 |align=left|Ky Corley |style="font-size:88%"|6-1 |- |Win |2–0 |align=left|Nate Herda |style="font-size:88%"|8-5 |- |Win |1–0 |align=left|Nathan Link |style="font-size:88%"|MD 12-4 |-

See also

References

  1. ^ Kuhl, Dan. "Bellator 236's Raufeon Stots: He's Coming for the BBQ". Combat Press. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  2. ^ Darren Potts (March 12, 2021). The Pottscast, with Raufeon Stots
  3. ^ "Raufeon Stots on Instagram: "Put ya head down and do the work! The rest will take care of itself 💪🏾🙏🏾 @danielswbjj @wanderleyjiujitsu"". Instagram. Archived 2021-12-26 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  4. ^ "Raufeon Stots | Wrestling Instructor | Roufusport Mixed Martial Arts MMA Academy Milwaukee | Wauwatosa WI". Retrieved 2020-07-22.[dead link]
  5. ^ "PFL Rankings". pflmma.com. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  6. ^ writer, Dylan Garner / World-Herald staff (9 July 2013). "Stots rose from adversity to accolades". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  7. ^ "Raufeon Stots - Wrestling". University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  8. ^ "Raufeon Stots (3/12/2013) - Athlete Awards". University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  9. ^ 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. 2017-04-13. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  11. ^ Kuhl, Dan. "Bellator 236's Raufeon Stots: He's Coming for the BBQ". Combat Press. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  12. ^ "Top bantamweight free agent Raufeon Stots signs multi-fight deal with Bellator". MMA Junkie. 2019-10-09. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  13. ^ Sherdog.com. "After Getting the 'Runaround' from UFC, Raufeon Stots Feels Wanted in Bellator MMA". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  14. ^ "Raufeon Stots vs. Cheyden Leialoha added to Bellator 236 main card". MMA Junkie. 2019-11-20. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  15. ^ Doherty, Dan (2019-12-21). "Bellator 236 Results: Raufeon Stots Takes Decision in Promotional Debut". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  16. ^ "Cass Bell faces toughest test yet at Bellator 242". Times-Standard. 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  17. ^ silfen, jack CYCLONE (2020-07-25). "Bellator 242: Raufeon Stots hands Cass Bell his first loss". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  18. ^ Anderson, Jay (19 November 2020). "Bellator 253 Results: Raufeon Stots Captures Decision Over Keith Lee". Cage Side Press. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  19. ^ King, Nolan & Hannoun, Farrah (4 March 2021). "Raufeon Stots vs. Josh Hill in the works for Bellator 258". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  20. ^ Sherdog.com. "Bellator 258 'Archuleta vs. Pettis' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
  21. ^ "Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots in the works for Bellator 263". MMA Junkie. 2021-06-14. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  22. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2021-07-19). "Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots off of Bellator 263". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-07-20.
  23. ^ "Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots now set for Bellator 264 in August". MMA Junkie. 2021-07-27. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
  24. ^ "Bellator 264 results: Raufeon Stots outworks Magomed Magomedov, wants bantamweight tournament or title shot". MMA Junkie. 2021-08-14. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
  25. ^ "Bellator 278 & 279 to be held in Hawaii, headlined by return of Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Cyborg title defense, and Bantamweight Grand Prix". KHON2. 2022-03-09. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
  26. ^ "Bellator 279 card: Sergio Pettis out of Bantamweight World Grand Prix with injury, Juan Archuleta steps in". CBSSports.com. 22 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  27. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-04-24). "Bellator 279: Raufeon Stots Scores Stupendous Knockout of Archuleta to Claim Interim Belt, Advance in Grand Prix". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-04-24.
  28. ^ "Stots-Sabatello, Magomedov-Mix bantamweight semifinals set for Bellator 289 in December". MMA Junkie. 2022-08-29. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  29. ^ Dewar, Val (2022-12-09). "Bellator 289: Raufeon Stots Wins Tight Split Decision Over Danny Sabatello". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  30. ^ "Raufeon Stots vs. Patchy Mix grand prix final headlines Bellator 295 on April 22 in Hawaii". MMA Junkie. 2023-02-15. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  31. ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-04-23). "Bellator 295: Patchy Mix Stuns with Knee Strike KO of Raufeon Stots to Win Bantamweight Grand Prix". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-04-23.
  32. ^ "Bellator 301 set for Chicago: 2 title fights, including Sergio Pettis vs. Patchy Mix, grand prix semifinal, grudge rematch". MMA Junkie. 2023-09-13. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  33. ^ "Bellator 301 results: Raufeon Stots beats Danny Sabatello in thriller, rubs it in during post-fight interview". MMA Junkie. 2023-11-18. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
  34. ^ Calhoun, Curtis (2024-07-09). "Former Bellator champ Raufeon Stots booked for return on Sept. 7". | BJPenn.com. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  35. ^ Guillen, Adam (2024-08-29). "Bellator San Diego loses two fights, including Raufeon Stots vs. Marcos Breno co-main event". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  36. ^ "PFL releases full fight card for Battle of the Giants: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira". MMA Junkie. 2024-09-26. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  37. ^ Staff (2024-10-19). "PFL Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact Results". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  38. ^ "2025 PFL World Tournament 7 results: Fabian Edwards, Sullivan Cauley advance to finals". MMA Junkie. 2025-06-27. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  39. ^ "PFL Chicago live updates, results, highlights". mmajunkie.usatoday.com
  40. ^ Nolan King (May 6, 2021). "Raufeon Stots sees fight with main training partner Sergio Pettis". MMAjunkie.com. – via YouTube.