Eric Schafer

Eric John Schafer (born September 20, 1977) is a retired American mixed martial artist. A professional from 1997 until 2016, he competed for the UFC.

Background
Schafer attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh.

Schafer is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Pedro Sauer.

Early career
Schafer compiled an amateur record of 2–1 before making his professional MMA debut in 1998. He then amassed a record of 6-1-2 before being signed by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
He made his UFC debut at UFC 62, defeating Rob MacDonald by arm-triangle choke, rendering him unconscious at the 2:26 mark of round one.

Schafer then lost his next 2 bouts consecutively via TKO to Michael Bisping at UFC 66 and Stephan Bonnar at UFC 77.

Schafer next defeated Houston Alexander by arm-triangle choke in the first round on September 17, 2008, at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs Neer.

Schafer won via TKO over Antonio Mendes at UFC 93 on January 7, 2009.

He lost to Ryan Bader by unanimous decision (30–27, 29–26, and 30–27) on October 24, 2009, on the undercard of UFC 104.

Schafer was defeated by Jason Brilz via unanimous decision on March 21, 2010, at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones. After this bout he was released from the promotion.

Post UFC
In his first fight since being released from the UFC and his first fight at Middleweight Schafer defeated Chris Albandia via submission (triangle choke) in the first round at XFO 41 - Outdoor War 7 on September 3, 2011.

Return to the UFC
Schafer returned to the UFC in a Middleweight bout against Aaron Simpson at UFC 136 on October 8, 2011, and lost a unanimous decision.

Schafer next faced Jorge Rivera on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX 1. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round. He was released from the promotion for the third time following this loss.

Independent promotions
After being released from the UFC, Schafer faced John Poppie at Madtown Throwdown 29: Unstoppable on January 5, 2013. He won via second round TKO.

He then fought Eric Hammerich for Chosen Few FC 6, in Madison Wisconsin on 09/19/15. He would win by choke in 2:38 of the first round.

His next fight would be his retirement fight against James Austen Heidlage for Choose Few FC 8, in Madison Wisconsin on 04/16/16. Eric would lose by referee stoppage at 3:01 of the second round.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Gladiators Fighting Series
 * GFS Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
 * Xtreme Fighting Organization
 * XFO Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)