Daniel Spohn

Daniel Spohn (born October 12, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2006, he has competed for the UFC, Bellator, and was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn.

Background
Spohn was born in Abilene, Texas on October 12, 1984, to Frank and Joan Spohn. Dan has one brother, Jonathan Spohn, two half brothers, Frank Spohn Jr. and Jason Hammonds, and two half sisters, Kelly and Christie. In 1996 Joan and her three sons, Jason, Dan, and Jonathan moved to Cambridge, Ohio where three years later Dan attended classes at Cambridge Mixed Martial Arts where he studied under Tim McConahay. Spohn attended John Glenn High School in New Concord, Ohio and graduated in 2003. Spohn began training in Kung Fu at the age of 12 and at age 14 began training in Aiki Jitsu. Dan has studied traditional Kachido Aikijitsu for the past 17 years under Sensei Tim McConahay. He holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt in the art, and serves as a part-time co-instructor at Cambridge Martial Arts dojo when he is back in his hometown. Spohn currently trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Vitor Oliveira at Ronin training center and holds the rank of Purple belt.

Early career
Spohn made his amateur MMA debut in 2006. Over the next three and a half years, he amassed a record of 9–4.

In November 2009, Spohn made his professional MMA debut. He was undefeated for the first two years of his career, with a record of 6 wins. Daniel Spohn holds one of the fastest knockouts in Bellator history with a flying knee 9 second KO. He suffered his first professional defeat against Kelvin Tiller at Bellator 56 via split decision. His next loss in Bellator also came by split decision against Slovak fighter Atilla Vegh.

The Ultimate Fighter
In March 2014, the UFC officially announced the list of fighters competing on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn season with Spohn listed as one entrant.

Spohn made it onto the show by winning his preliminary match against Tyler King via spectacular 10 second knockout. UFC President Dana White called it the "probably the nastiest fucking knockout" of the entire show's history. In the elimination round, Spohn faced Todd Monaghan and won by unanimous decision. In the semifinals, he faced Matt Van Buren and lost via TKO in the second round after an exciting war which won "fight of the season".

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Despite not making it to the finals, Spohn was one of only two competitors from the series brought back to be featured on the finale. He faced Team Edgar semifinalist Patrick Walsh on July 6, 2014. He lost the bout via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.

Spohn is undefeated in 5 of his last 6 fights since being released from UFC and currently holds two regional titles. He is the current Gladiators of the Cage Light Heavyweight champion and also the CFFC Heavyweight Champion. Spohn declared that he is working his way back to the UFC.But, he is also took a career in PFL.

Professional Fighters League
Spohn faced Marthin Nielsen on April 29, 2021, at PFL 2 as the start of the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight tournament. He lost the bout via technical submission to an arm-triangle choke in the second round.

Spohn faced Emiliano Sordi at PFL 5 on June 17, 2021. After Sordi was deducted a point in the first round due to strikes to the back of the head, the bout ended in a unanimous draw.

Post PFL
Spohn was scheduled to face Satoshi Ishii at HEAT 50 on May 7, 2022. However, the bout was scrapped after Spohn tested positive for coronavirus.

Spohn faced Dequan Townsend on October 8, 2022, at Ohio Combat League 22. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Spohn, replacing a suspended Rob Wilkinson, faced Ty Flores on June 8, 2023, at PFL 4. At weigh-ins, Ty Flores weighed in at 211.2 pounds, 5.2 pounds over the Light Heavyweight limit. He was fined 20% of his purse which went to Spohn and he was given a one-point penalty in the standings. Spohn lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Spohn is set to fight for the Superior Challenge Light Heavyweight title against Bellator veteran Karl Albrektsson on May 25, 2024 at Superior Challenge 27.

Personal life
Dan and his wife, Rachel, live in Hilliard with their six children.

Championships and accomplishments

 * North American Allied Fight Series
 * NAAFS Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
 * Cage Fury Fighting Championships
 * CFFC Heavyweight Championship (One time)
 * AllianceMMA Heavyweight Champion (ITFightSeries) (Current)
 * Gladiators of the Cage LHW Champion (Current)