Eric Schambari

Eric Schambari (born April 22, 1978) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the middleweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2005, Schambari has most notably fought in World Extreme Cagefighting and was a semi-finalist in the Bellator Season Two: Middleweight Tournament, where he was eliminated by Bryan Baker.

Mixed martial arts career Background

Schambari began his career in 2005 and compiled a record of 5–0 in local promotions before joining the WEC. Schambari trains at Marc Laimon's Cobra Kai gym in Victorville, California. Schambari has trained with the likes of Travis Lutter, Joe Stevenson and Guy Mezger.

On December 20, 2014, Eric received his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Travis Lutter.

World Extreme Cagefighting

Schambari signed for the WEC and made his debut on the undercard of WEC 27 against Art Santore. In a close fight, Schambari took the unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27 and 29–28), which was suggested to be due to Schambari's superior cardio and slight advantage in damage caused.

He then fought Logan Clark at WEC 29. Schambari once again took the unanimous decision (all three judges scoring the bout 29–28). However, this decision was viewed as slightly controversial considering that Clark was able to do more damage from the bottom with up-kicks, in addition to locking in a gogoplata and an omoplata.

Schambari suffered his first career defeat, losing to Bryan Baker via split decision at WEC 31 in December 2007.

Soon after, Schambari was injured in training and suffered an allergic reaction to medication that nearly cost him his life and career. Later, he returned to training and competition against the advice of his doctors.

This injury, combined with the dissolution of the middleweight division in the WEC, after its purchase by the UFC, led to his release. Schambari then fought in smaller promotions, defeating four fighters (three via first round submission and one via majority decision). The latter of these victories saw Schambari headline an event, competing against Will Espich in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This fight saw Schambari win via submission (arm-triangle choke).

Bellator Fighting Championship

Schambari then signed for Bellator and entered into their Middleweight tournament.

This advanced Schambari into the semi-finals of the tournament where he would have a rematch with Bryan Baker. This fight took place at Bellator 20 and Baker was again the winner, this time via triangle choke at 2:29 of the first round. Schambari was successful with an early takedown, however, Baker worked well from his back and managed to secure the submission. This eliminated Schambari from the tournament.

Returning in Bellator's third season in September 2010 at Bellator 28, Schambari faced the veteran Matt Horwich. Schambari won the fight via split decision after utilizing an effective jab-and-run strategy.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Marcus Sursa Submission (triangle choke) C3 Fights - Rock Em Sock Em Weekend

Clinton, Oklahoma, United States Loss

Bubba McDaniel Decision (unanimous) Fight Game - Premier Event

Frisco, Texas, United States Loss

Andrew Craig Decision (unanimous) Legacy FC 8

Houston, Texas, United States For Legacy FC Middleweight Championship Loss

Anthony Smith TKO (punches) C3 Fights: MMA Championship Fights

Concho, Oklahoma, United States Win

Edwin Aguilar Submission (heel hook) XCage: Predators

Concho, Oklahoma, United States Win

John Bryant Submission (arm-triangle choke) C3 Fights: Slammin Jammin Weekend 6

Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States Win

Matt Horwich Decision (split) Bellator 28

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Loss

Bryan Baker Submission (triangle choke) Bellator 20

San Antonio, Texas, United States Middleweight Tournament Semifinal Win

Luke Zachrich Submission (arm-triangle choke) Bellator 16

Kansas City, Missouri, United States Middleweight Tournament Quarterfinal Win

Will Espich Submission (arm-triangle choke) Maximo Fighting Championship

San Juan, Puerto Rico Win

Dominic Brown Submission (rear-naked choke) C3: Slammin Jammin Weekend 1

Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States Win

Nate James Decision (majority) Slammin Jammin Weekend 3

Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States Win

John Bryant Submission (rear-naked choke) C3 Fights

Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States Loss

Bryan Baker Decision (split) WEC 31

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Logan Clark Decision (unanimous) WEC 29

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Art Santore Decision (unanimous) WEC 27

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Christian Smith Submission (arm triangle choke) Art of War 1

Dallas, Texas, United States Win

Ricardeau Francois Submission International Freestyle Fighting 1

Fort Worth, Texas, United States Win

Corey Salter TKO (punches) Ultimate Texas Showdown 4

Texas, United States Win

Sherman Pendergarst Decision (unanimous) Inferno Promotions: Meltdown

Dallas, Texas, United States Win

Jamey Herbert Submission (kimura) Inferno Promotions: Meltdown

Dallas, Texas, United States