Josh Sampo

Josh Sampo (born July 24, 1984) is an American retired mixed martial artist who competed in Ultimate Fighting Championship's flyweight division.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Sampo started his professional career in 2009. He fought mainly for Missouri-based promotions as Fight Me MMA, Wright Fights and Rumble Time Promotions. He is now a high school science teacher at Francis Howell High School in St. Charles county, Missouri.

Legacy Fighting Championship Sampo was expected to face Rafael de Freitas on September 14, 2012, at Legacy FC 14. However, instead he faced Antonio Banuelos. He won via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) .

Championship Fighting Alliance Sampo faced Olympic medallist and Bellator MMA veteran Alexis Vila on January 19, 2013, at CFA 9: Night of Champions for the inaugural flyweight title. Sampo defeated Vila via submission due to a guillotine choke in the fifth round and became the CFA flyweight champion.

Sampo defended his title once against Sam Thao on October 12, 2013, at CFA 12: Sampo vs. Thao. He won via unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, 49–46) after five rounds.

In November 2013, it was announced that Sampo had signed with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Sampo made his promotional debut against fellow newcomer Ryan Benoit on November 30, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. Sampo won via submission due to a rear-naked choke and the performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors, but Sampo was not eligible for the bonus due to missing weight.

Sampo faced Zach Makovsky on February 22, 2014, at UFC 170. Sampo had his first octagon defeat via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28).

Sampo faced promotional newcomer Paddy Holohan on July 19, 2014, at UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandao. He lost via submission due to a rear-naked choke in the first round.

Sampo faced Justin Scoggins on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187. Sampo lost the fight via unanimous decision. Subsequently, he was released from the promotion.

Bellator MMA Sampo faced Dominic Mazzotta at Bellator 197 on April 13, 2018. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (one time) vs. Ryan Benoit Championship Fighting Alliance CFA flyweight title (one time) One successful title defense Cage Championships CC amateur bantamweight title (one time) Fight Matrix 2012 Most Improved Fighter of the Year

Amateur wrestling National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics NAIA Wrestling National Championship All-American out of Lindenwood University (2005, 2006, 2007) NAIA Wrestling National Championship 125 lb: Fourth place out of Lindenwood University (2006) NAIA Wrestling National Championship 125 lb: Fifth place out of Lindenwood University (2005, 2007) Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Nevada State High School Wrestling 103 lb: Champion out of Pahranagat Valley High School (2001) Nevada State High School Wrestling 112 lb: Champion out of Pahranagat Valley High School (2002)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Dominic Mazzotta Decision (unanimous) Bellator 197

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Loss

Justin Scoggins Decision (unanimous) UFC 187

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Paddy Holohan Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandao

Dublin, Ireland Loss

Zach Makovsky Decision (unanimous) UFC 170

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Ryan Benoit Submission (rear-naked choke) The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Sam Thao Decision (unanimous) CFA 12: Sampo vs. Thao

Coral Gables, Florida, United States Win

Alexis Vila Submission (guillotine choke) CFA 9: Night of Champions

Coral Gables, Florida, United States Win

Antonio Banuelos Decision (unanimous) Legacy FC 14

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Carson Gainey Submission (kimura) Rumble Time Promotions: Clash of the Warriors

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Loss

Will Campuzano KO (knee) Rumble Time Promotions

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Win

Czar Sklavos Decision (unanimous) Fight Me MMA

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Win

Gor Mnatsakanyan Decision (unanimous) UFF: X

Salina, Kansas, United States Win

Jeremy Freeman Submission (leg triangle) Wright Fights 4

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Loss

Mike French Decision (unanimous) Wright Fights 2

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Win

Eric Acuna Decision (unanimous) Fight Me MMA 1: The Battle Begins

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Win

Jake Rosenbaum Submission (rear-naked choke) Hoosier FC 4: Showdown at the Steel Yard

Gary, Indiana, United States Win

Josh Phillips Submission (rear-naked choke) Friday Night Fight Night

Sedalia, Missouri, United States Mixed martial arts amateur record Win

Chris Butler TKO (strikes) Xtreme Fight League

St. Louis, Missouri, United States Win

Albert Mendoza Submission (strikes) Cage Championships 16

Sullivan, Missouri, United States Win

Robert Peralez N/A Midwest Fight League: Battle at the Bluenote 6

Columbia, Missouri, United States Win

Jon Hollis TKO Midwest Fight Fest

St. Louis, Missouri, United States