Christian Wellisch

Christian Wellisch (born September 13, 1975) is a Hungarian-American former professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 until 2009, he competed for the UFC, WEC, and King of the Cage. He was the first Hungarian fighter ever in the UFC.

Early life

Christian Wellisch was born in Budapest in 1975, and lived in Hungary for 12 years. Because of the political repressions at the time, his parents decided to leave Hungary and moved to America so that he and his siblings could have better opportunities abroad. One such opportunity was the chance to start a career in MMA.

Mixed martial arts career Wellisch began his professional career in 2001 as a Heavyweight fighting in smaller promotions. In 2006, he scored a stoppage victory over the undefeated Dan Evensen. With a record of 6–2, Wellisch made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut against Cheick Kongo at UFC 62. He lost by knockout due to a knee strike in the first round. Wellisch followed up with two victories against Anthony Perosh and Scott Junk at UFC 66 and UFC 76 respectively. His streak ended at UFC 84, where undefeated rising star Shane Carwin knocked him out with a punch in 44 seconds of the first round, knocking his mouthguard out as well.

In November 2008, the UFC released Wellisch from his contract along with Jon Fitch and other American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) fighters as a result of a dispute over the exclusive license rights for a video game between AKA and UFC President Dana White. The dispute was resolved a day later and Wellisch, along with the other AKA fighters, were re-signed.

In his next appearance, Wellisch made his Light Heavyweight debut at UFC 94, where he lost to Jake O'Brien by split decision. With his second consecutive loss, and the UFC facing a glut of fighters due to recent acquisitions of WEC contracts, Wellisch was released from the UFC roster.

Life after MMA Having graduated from the McGeorge School of Law, Wellisch decided to retire from MMA and now runs his own law practice outside San Jose, California. Speaking on his decision to retire, Wellisch said "I told myself when I got into this sport that I wasn't going to take any steps backwards", he also said "I'm not going to go fight in the small shows, I think I made the right decision".

He enlisted in the California Army National Guard and currently holds the rank of Captain.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Jake O'Brien Decision (split) UFC 94

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Light Heavyweight debut. Loss

Shane Carwin KO (punch) UFC 84

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Scott Junk Submission (heel hook) UFC 76

Anaheim, California, United States Win

Anthony Perosh Decision (unanimous) UFC 66: Liddell vs. Ortiz

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Cheick Kongo KO (knee) UFC 62: Liddell vs. Sobral

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Dan Evensen TKO (corner stoppage) IFC: Caged Combat

Sacramento, California, United States Win

Tom Howard Submission (rear-naked choke) Valor Fighting: Showdown At Cache Creek

Brooks, California, United States Loss

Soa Palelei TKO (punches) Shooto Australia: NHB

Melbourne, Australia Win

Vince Lucero TKO (punches) CFM: Octogono Extremo

Monterrey, Mexico Loss

Kensuke Sasaki Submission (guillotine choke) X-1

Yokohama, Japan Win

Jay White TKO (punches) WEC 4

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Win

Sam Sotello Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC 16: Double Cross

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Dennis Taddio TKO (punches) Shogun 1

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States