Introduction
Cliff Wright, Jr. (born January 22, 1979) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division. He holds a 0:33 Knockout Victory over 2x UFC Veteran Thomas Gifford in February 2020 bringing his record to 12-12. A professional competitor since 2008, he has competed for Bellator and King of the Cage.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
From September 2008 to March 2012, Wright compiled a record of 6–2 before debuting for Bellator.
Bellator MMA
Wright made his Bellator debut on May 18, 2012 at Bellator 69 against Josh Quayhagen, losing via unanimous decision.
Wright faced Bobby Reardanz at Bellator 75 on October 5, 2012. He won via rear-naked choke submission in round one.
Wright then faced Christian Uflacker at Bellator 84 on December 14, 2012. He lost via technical unanimous decision after an upkick delivered by Wright was determined to be illegal by the referee, rendering Uflacker unable to continue.
Wright fought Donald Sanchez at Bellator 97 on July 31, 2013. He lost the bout via split decision.
Wright faced Derek Loffer on October 18, 2013 at Bellator 104. He won via armbar submission in the second round.
Wright fought LaRue Burley at Bellator 117 on April 18, 2014 and lost via unanimous decision.
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 21 matches | 10 wins | 11 losses |
| By knockout | 0 | 1 |
| By submission | 10 | 0 |
| By decision | 0 | 10 |
| Draws | 0 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 10-11 | Austin Hubbard | Decision (unanimous) | Caged Aggression 18: Next Level | October 8, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 10-10 | Perry Olson | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: Due Process | September 9, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Carlton, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 10-9 | Evian Rodriguez | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | RCC: Revolution Cage Combat | June 11, 2016 | 1 | 1:55 | Iowa City, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 9-9 | Ramiro Hernandez | Decision (unanimous) | EC: Extreme Challenge 233 | May 7, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Clinton, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 9-8 | Robert Rojas Jr. | Decision (unanimous) | DCS: Spring Brawl 4 | April 23, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Lincoln, Nebraska, United States | |
| Win | 9-7 | Tom Shoaff | Submission | TFE: Gladiators | October 17, 2015 | 1 | 3:04 | Indiananaoplis, Indiana, United States | |
| Loss | 8-7 | Eric Wisely | Decision (unanimous) | Pinnacle Combat 21 | August 21, 2015 | 5 | 5:00 | Dubuque, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 8–6 | LaRue Burley | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 117 | April 18, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 8–5 | Derek Loffer | Submission (armbar) | Bellator 104 | October 18, 2013 | 2 | 4:28 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States | Catchweight (160 lbs) bout. |
| Loss | 7–5 | Donald Sanchez | Decision (split) | Bellator 97 | July 31, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Mexico | Featherweight bout. |
| Loss | 7–4 | Christian Uflacker | Technical Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 84 | December 14, 2012 | 3 | 2:26 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Fight was stopped at 2:26 in the third round due to an upkick by Wright that was deemed illegal by the referee, which rendered Uflacker unable to continue. |
| Win | 7–3 | Bobby Reardanz | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 75 | October 5, 2012 | 1 | 3:39 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Catchweight (147 lbs) bout. |
| Loss | 6–3 | Josh Quayhagen | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 69 | May 18, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States | Catchweight (158 lbs) bout. |
| Win | 6–2 | Dakota Cochrane | Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) | RFA 2: Yvel vs. Alexander | March 30, 2012 | 1 | 4:39 | Kearney, Nebraska, United States | |
| Win | 5–2 | Mark Herman | Submission (choke) | Extreme Challenge 203 | January 29, 2012 | 1 | 0:56 | Bettendorf, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 4–2 | Mike Lindquist | Submission (guillotine choke) | Extreme Challenge 187 | July 23, 2011 | 1 | 1:08 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 3–2 | Drew Mehaffy | Submission (armbar) | Mainstream MMA: Swing Back | August 21, 2010 | 1 | 1:01 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 2–2 | Ryan Bixler | TKO (punches) | Glory Fighting Championships 7 | July 25, 2009 | 3 | N/A | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Jeremy Castro | Submission (triangle choke) | Pinnacle Combat MMA 2 | April 25, 2009 | 2 | 1:40 | Dubuque, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 1–1 | Mike Lullo | Decision (unanimous) | Xtreme Fighting Organization 28 | February 27, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Lakemoor, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Aubrey Bailey | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Conquest Fighting Championship 1 | September 27, 2008 | 1 | 1:21 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States |