Tom Speer

Thomas Speer (born August 20, 1984) is a retired American mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2005 until 2013, he received national exposure on The Ultimate Fighter 6: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra, fighting as a member of Team Hughes and his subsequent stint in the UFC. Speer also competed in the WEC and Cage Warriors..

Background
Born and raised on a crop and dairy farm in Elgin, Minnesota, Speer was a star athlete at Elgin Millville High School, where he was an All-State cornerback in football, received four varsity letters in basketball, and reached the state tournament in wrestling during his senior year. After graduating in 2003, Speer continued to develop his wrestling skills and also began competing in mixed martial arts in the local circuit. On May 29, 2015 Speer married Katie Kirckof.

The Ultimate Fighter
While on The Ultimate Fighter, Speer defeated Jon Koppenhaver and Ben Saunders, both by unanimous decision. In his semifinal bout, he defeated George Sotiropoulos by KO in the first round, advancing him into the finals on December 8, 2007, to face fellow Team Hughes member Mac Danzig. Speer fought Danzig at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra Finale, and lost via rear-naked choke at 2:01 of the first round.

On April 2, 2008 at UFC Fight Night 13, Speer lost to Anthony Johnson by KO in the first round. Speer was then released by the UFC after this loss.

Independent Promotions
Speer announced his retirement from professional fighting after suffering a loss to Beau Baker in the Cagefest Xtreme 6 show in Norfolk, Virginia. Speer was a late replacement for an injured Shonie Carter.

Speer has since returned to fighting professionally, defeating Jay Ellis by TKO in the first round at the Extreme Challenge 127 on May 30, 2009.

Speer fought Ryan Ford at TFC 10. He lost the fight in the first round via rear-naked choke submission.

Speer faced Mats Nilsson on February 11, 2012 at Cage Warriors Fight Night 3, in which he lost via arm triangle submission.

On April 5, 2013, Speer defeated Strikeforce Vet Lumumba Sayers at MFW: 2 via rear-naked choke submission in round one.