1. Overview
Seth Christopher Petruzelli, born on December 3, 1979, is an American retired mixed martial artist, kickboxer, professional wrestler, and entrepreneur. Known by the moniker "The Silverback" (ザ・シルバーバックZa ShirubābakkuJapanese), he competed in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions for prominent organizations such as the UFC, WEC, EliteXC, King of the Cage, BAMMA, and Bellator. After his active fighting career, Petruzelli transitioned into professional wrestling, signing with WWE as a striking coach and later engaging in in-ring competition with promotions like Major League Wrestling. He holds a third-degree black belt in Shitō-ryū karate and a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
2. Early Life and Background
Seth Petruzelli's formative years were marked by a strong engagement in athletics and martial arts, which laid the foundation for his diverse combat sports career.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Petruzelli was born in Cape Coral, Florida, and is a native of Fort Myers, Florida. He began his academic journey at Bishop Verot High School before transferring to Mariner High School to leverage its acclaimed wrestling program. Beyond sports, he pursued higher education, studying psychology at the University of Central Florida.
2.2. Martial Arts Training and Early Development
Petruzelli embarked on his martial arts journey at the young age of seven, starting with karate. Throughout high school, he continued his karate training while also actively participating in wrestling and football. His athletic prowess was evident as he earned a three-sport letterman distinction across all four years of high high school, and was recognized as an all-state center in football. Despite receiving scholarship offers for both wrestling and football in college, Petruzelli chose to forego them, instead opting to pursue a professional career in mixed martial arts directly after graduating high school. His dedication to martial arts culminated in achieving significant ranks: a third-degree black belt in Shitō-ryū karate and a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
3. Combat Sports Career
Seth Petruzelli's professional career spans across multiple combat sports disciplines, including mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and professional wrestling, where he achieved notable recognition and competed in major promotions.
3.1. Mixed Martial Arts
Petruzelli's mixed martial arts career saw him compete extensively in various organizations, participating in high-profile events and facing diverse challenges.
3.1.1. The Ultimate Fighter and Early UFC Career
Petruzelli gained significant exposure as a cast member on "The Ultimate Fighter 2", where he competed as a heavyweight. During his time on the reality show, he defeated Dan Christison by unanimous decision in an elimination bout. However, his journey in the tournament concluded in the semi-finals, where he was eliminated by Brad Imes. Following his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, Petruzelli had an opportunity to fight in the UFC in 2006. His initial stint with the promotion was challenging, as he was released after suffering losses to Matt Hamill and Wilson Gouveia.
3.1.2. EliteXC Activities and Kimbo Slice Controversy
On October 4, 2008, Petruzelli gained widespread attention during his fight at EliteXC: Heat. Originally scheduled to face Aaron Rosa, he was offered a short-notice fight against Kimbo Slice after Ken Shamrock was forced to withdraw due to a pre-fight injury (a cut over his left eye). Petruzelli, who weighed in at the light heavyweight threshold of 205.5 lb (205.5 lb) compared to Slice's 234.5 lb (234.5 lb), meaning a weight difference of approximately 30 lb (30 lb), quickly defeated Slice by TKO in just 14 seconds.
Days after the fight, on October 10, 2008, Petruzelli made a controversial statement on the radio show The Monsters in the Morning, saying: "The promoters kinda hinted to me and they gave me the money to stand and throw with him, they didn't want me to take him down. Let's just put it that way. It was worth my while to try and stand up, punch him." This statement raised concerns about potential fight fixing. EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw immediately denied the allegations. Petruzelli later clarified his remarks to Yahoo! Sports and FiveOuncesofPain.com, explaining that he believed the "hint" referred to standard knockout bonuses and that he personally wanted to keep the fight standing because it would be more exciting for the crowd and promoters. He stated, "I wanted to have an exciting fight and I wanted the knock out bonus so I wanted to keep it standing. [...] They just said, 'we want to see an exciting fight no matter what happens.' I took it as I wanted the knockout bonus." He further asserted, "What was meant to be said was that I wanted to keep the fight standing for myself because I knew that was what the crowd, the promoters, and everyone wanted to see because that's more exciting than just taking someone to the ground. That was my thing only. I wanted to keep it exciting so I decided to keep it standing. It had nothing to do with anybody else. That was all me." On October 23, 2008, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation concluded its investigation into the bout, finding no wrongdoing.
3.1.3. Post-EliteXC Career and UFC Return
In December 2008, Petruzelli opened "The Jungle MMA & Fitness" in Orlando, Florida, alongside Tom Lawlor and Mike Lee. He continued his fighting career, participating in events like Art Of Fighting 4: Damage on August 22, 2009, where he defeated Chris Baten by TKO. He also secured a submission victory over Ryan White at BAMMA 3 on May 15, 2010.
Petruzelli was scheduled to face MMA pioneer and former King of Pancrase Ken Shamrock on March 6, 2010, at an event called International Unlimited Fighting: The Return of Buluc, but the fight was ultimately called off. He made a second return to the UFC at UFC 116 on July 3, 2010, facing newcomer Ricardo Romero. Despite initially dominating the fight, Petruzelli lost via straight armbar submission in the second round. Although he stated via Twitter that his arm was not broken, he was given another opportunity by the UFC. On November 13, 2010, he fought Karlos Vémola at UFC 122 in Oberhausen, Germany, losing via TKO from punches in the first round. Following this loss, Petruzelli was released from the UFC, having accumulated a 0-4 record across his two stints with the promotion. On April 22, 2011, Petruzelli competed in the main event of World Extreme Fighting 46 at the UCF Arena in Orlando, Florida, where he defeated Dave Mewborn by TKO in the first round.
3.1.4. Bellator Career and Retirement
Petruzelli made his debut with Bellator at Bellator 48 on August 20, 2011, where he impressively defeated Ricco Rodriguez by knockout in the first round. Following this victory, he was awarded a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Thiago Domingues.
He returned to Bellator in 2013 as a participant in the Bellator Season 8 Light Heavyweight tournament. In the quarterfinal round at Bellator 85 on January 17, 2013, he faced Jacob Noe and lost via TKO due to punches in the first round. Later that year, Petruzelli competed in Bellator's Light Heavyweight Summer Series Tournament, facing Muhammed Lawal in the opening round at Bellator 96 on June 19, 2013. He suffered a knockout loss in the first round. Following this defeat, Petruzelli announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.
3.2. Kickboxing
Seth Petruzelli also competed in professional kickboxing, facing notable opponents in major promotions like K-1. His kickboxing record stands at 0 wins and 3 losses.
His kickboxing matches include:
- On March 27, 2004, at K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Saitama in Saitama, Japan, he faced Bob Sapp. Early in the first round, Petruzelli knocked Sapp down with a punch. However, he subsequently suffered an arm injury from his own punch and lost the fight via TKO at 0:57 of the first round.
- On May 30, 2004, at Kyokushin vs K-1 2004 All Out Battle (also known as Ichigeki), held in Tokyo, Japan, he competed against Aleksandr Pitchkounov. Petruzelli lost this bout via TKO due to a corner stoppage at 2:18 of the second round.
- On September 8, 2012, he participated in the K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 in Los Angeles, facing Xavier Vigney in Los Angeles, California, US. Petruzelli lost this fight via TKO from a right knee strike at 1:17 of the second round.
3.3. Professional Wrestling
After retiring from mixed martial arts, Seth Petruzelli transitioned into professional wrestling. On October 21, 2015, he signed with WWE and began working at their Performance Center as a striking coach. He made his professional wrestling in-ring debut on October 15, 2016, at I Believe In Wrestling's BELIEVE 130 in Florida, where he defeated Braydon Knight. Currently, he wrestles for Major League Wrestling.
4. Post-Fighting Career
Following his retirement from active combat sports, Seth Petruzelli has maintained a presence in the martial arts and entertainment industries through various roles. He is an entrepreneur, notably co-founding and operating "The Jungle MMA & Fitness" in Orlando, Florida, which he opened in December 2008 with Tom Lawlor and Mike Lee. His career transition also includes his work as a striking coach for WWE at their Performance Center, a role he assumed in October 2015. Additionally, he continues to be involved in professional wrestling as an active competitor for Major League Wrestling.
5. Personal Life
Seth Petruzelli has been married twice. His first marriage lasted approximately 1.5 years and concluded in divorce, reportedly due to conflicts stemming from his business ventures and his continued fighting career. He is now married to Traci Petruzelli, and together they have a daughter named Vera Petruzelli.
6. Accomplishments
Throughout his career in mixed martial arts, Seth Petruzelli achieved several notable accomplishments:
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (Two times)
- Ultimate Warrior Challenge
- Ultimate Warrior Challenge (event winner)
- Knockout of the Night
7. Career Statistics
Detailed statistical information regarding Seth Petruzelli's professional fight records across mixed martial arts and kickboxing is provided below.
7.1. Mixed Martial Arts Record
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 14-8 | Muhammed Lawal | KO (punch) | Bellator 96 | June 19, 2013 | 1 | 1:35 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | Bellator 2013 Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal. |
| Loss | 14-7 | Jacob Noe | TKO (punches) | Bellator 85 | January 17, 2013 | 1 | 2:51 | Irvine, California, United States | Bellator Season 8 Light Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal. |
| Win | 14-6 | Ricco Rodriguez | KO (punches) | Bellator 48 | August 20, 2011 | 1 | 4:21 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | Catchweight (230 lb (230 lb)) bout. |
| Win | 13-6 | Dave Mewborn | TKO (punches) | World Extreme Fighting 46 | April 22, 2011 | 1 | 3:06 | Orlando, Florida, United States | |
| Loss | 12-6 | Karlos Vémola | TKO (punches) | UFC 122 | November 13, 2010 | 1 | 3:46 | Oberhausen, Germany | |
| Loss | 12-5 | Ricardo Romero | Submission (straight armbar) | UFC 116 | July 3, 2010 | 2 | 3:05 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 12-4 | Ryan White | Submission (armbar) | BAMMA 3 | May 15, 2010 | 1 | 1:07 | Birmingham, England | |
| Win | 11-4 | Chris Baten | TKO (punches) | Art of Fighting 4: Damage | August 22, 2009 | 1 | 2:23 | Tampa, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 10-4 | Kimbo Slice | TKO (punches) | EliteXC: Heat | October 4, 2008 | 1 | 0:14 | Sunrise, Florida, United States | Heavyweight bout. |
| Win | 9-4 | Sean Sallee | TKO | Knight Fight | October 27, 2007 | 1 | 2:58 | Orlando, Florida, United States | |
| Loss | 8-4 | Wilson Gouveia | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC Fight Night: Stevenson vs. Guillard | April 5, 2007 | 2 | 0:39 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 8-3 | Bernard Rutherford | KO (punches) | Ultimate Warrior Challenge | February 2, 2007 | 1 | 1:47 | Jacksonville, Florida, United States | Knockout of the Night. |
| Loss | 7-3 | Matt Hamill | Decision (unanimous) | UFC: Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter | October 10, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | Light Heavyweight debut. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 7-2 | Dan Severn | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC 32: Bringing Heat | January 24, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Miami, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 6-2 | Brian Hawkins | TKO (punches) | KOTC 21: Invasion | February 21, 2003 | 1 | 2:21 | Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States | |
| Win | 5-2 | Rocky Batastini | TKO (punches) | KOTC 18: Sudden Impact | November 1, 2002 | 1 | 4:04 | Reno, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 4-2 | Mike Ward | TKO (doctor stoppage) | Cage Wars 1 | December 23, 2001 | 1 | 2:50 | Portsmouth, England | |
| Win | 3-2 | Keith Fielder | TKO (corner stoppage) | RSF 6: Mayhem in Myers | December 29, 2001 | 1 | 2:10 | Fort Myers, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 2-2 | Victor Majuskaus | TKO (slam and punches) | WVF: Battlejax | November 10, 2001 | 1 | 0:29 | Jacksonville, Florida, United States | |
| Loss | 1-2 | Gan McGee | Submission (heel hook) | WEC 1 | June 30, 2001 | 1 | 1:25 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Loss | 1-1 | Mario Neto | Submission (rear-naked choke) | World Vale Tudo Championship | June 9, 2001 | 1 | 17:36 | Recife, Brazil | |
| Win | 1-0 | Nate Robinson | KO (punch) | WVF: Battlejax | August 26, 2000 | 1 | 1:29 | Jacksonville, Florida, United States |
7.2. Kickboxing Record
| Res. | Date | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 2012-09-08 | Xavier Vigney | K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 in Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California, US | TKO (right knee) | 2 | 1:17 | 0-3 |
| Loss | 2004-05-30 | Aleksandr Pitchkounov | Kyokushin vs K-1 2004 All Out Battle | Tokyo, Japan | TKO (corner stoppage) | 2 | 2:18 | 0-2 |
| Loss | 2004-03-27 | Bob Sapp | K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Saitama | Saitama, Japan | TKO (arm injury) | 1 | 0:57 | 0-1 |