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Chris Gruetzemacher

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Chris Gruetzemacher
Born (1986-06-16) June 16, 1986 (age 38)
Page, Arizona, United States[1]
Other namesGritz[2]
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight
Featherweight
Fighting out ofSurprise, Arizona, United States[3]
Team2 Knuckle Sports MMA Academy[2]
Teacher(s)Hanshi Nico[4][5]
Years active2008–2021
Mixed martial arts record
Total20
Wins15
By knockout7
By submission3
By decision5
Losses5
By knockout1
By submission4
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Chris Gruetzemacher (born June 16, 1986) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2008, he has also competed for Strikeforce, the World Series of Fighting, and was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber.

Background

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Gruetzemachers' mother Julia is from Chile, and her family was granted political asylum to United States with the help of United Churches after his grandfather, who was an assembly man in Chile, was arrested and tortured for three years after an uprising against Salvador Allende changed the regime in Chile.[6] Gruetzemacher was born in Page, Arizona, United States, and at the age of five, his father (Army veteran Jim Gruetzemacher), was shot and murdered in Arizona, this evoked his primal instinct for self-protection where he started wrestling.[7][additional citation(s) needed]

Gruetzemacher was a former student at Thunderbird High School where he started his wrestler training. He started training BJJ and Muay Thai in 2007 to get in shape[8] and slowly progressing to compete in MMA.[9][1] He chose his professional as a fighter after decided to invest his time as an athlete in combat sport and to be part of something great in his life.[10] He worked with the former Thailand national fight team member and multiple Muay Thai world champion, Master Kru Paul, in North Carolina to sharpen his stand up game prior finding his new training base at 2 Knuckle Sports.[11]

A typical training day for Gruetzemacher involves strength and conditioning in the morning, grappling in the evening and works on this stand up game in the later of the day after teaches two BJJ classes at 2 Knuckle Sports MMA Academy.[1][4]

I would never want to stop fighting. This is who I am. I'm doing what I"m supposed to do ... In all honesty, if they told me I couldn't be a fighter anymore, I wouldn't be able to tell you what I wanted to do with anything.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Gruetzemacher started his professional debut in 2008 and fought most of his fights in Arizona, United States. He was the former fighter for Strikeforce and World Series of Fighting (WSOF). He amassed a record of 12–1 with 11 winning streak where he won back to back wins over UFC veterans Roli Delgado (who was 9 inches taller than Gruetzemacher)[12] and John Gunderson prior signed by UFC.[3][1]

Gruetzemacher took 21 months hiatus from his torn ACL injury before he stepped back to cage where he was selected as one of the contestants for UFC The Ultimate fighter 22.[13]

The Ultimate Fighter

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Gruetzemacher was selected to be one of the contestants for the UFC TV MMA competition series The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber, (The Ultimate Fighter 22), fighters from Europe coached under Conor McGregor vs fighters from United States coached under Urijah Faber.[14] Gruetzemacher was coached under team Urijah Faber.[15]

He faced Austin Springer on the Elimination fight[16] and won the fight via TKO on round two.[17][18] On the Opening Round he was up against Sascha Sharma and won the fight via unanimous decision.[19][20] He moved on to the Quarterfinals and faced Artem Lobov and suffered a defeat via TKO.[21][22]

In The Ultimate Fighter 22 episode 7 Gruetzemacher had a verbal confrontation after a heavy drinking session, betting shots on the billiard games, in the house between Gruetzemacher and Julian Erosa where Erosa commented Gruetzemacher's fights were the most boring in the house. The confrontation escalated and got more heated where Erosa challenged Gruetzemacher to act on his aggregation. Gruetzemacher splashes beer and water in Erosa's face. The confrontation eventually scaled down after some posturing and yelling and cooler heads prevailed with no physical fight was committed.[23][24]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Gruetzemacher made his promotional debut on December 11, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale in Las Vegas, United States, against Abner Lloveras.[25] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[26][13]

He next faced Chas Skelly at UFC Fight Night: Bermudez[27] vs. Korean Zombie on February 4, 2017.[28][29] He lost the fight via submission on round two.[30][27]

Gruetzemacher was expected to face Martin Bravo on August 5, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno.[31] He was pulled from the fight and replaced by Humberto Bandenay.[32][33]

Gruetzemacher faced Davi Ramos on December 9, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 123.[34] He lost the fight via submission in the third round.[35]

Gruetzemacher faced Joe Lauzon on April 7, 2018 at UFC 223.[36] He won the fight after Lauzon's corner stopped the fight after the second round.[37] This win earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.[38]

Gruetzemacher was expected to face Beneil Dariush on November 10, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 139.[39] However, on October 18, 2018, it was reported that Gruetzemacher withdrew from the event and was replaced by newcomer Thiago Moises.[40]

Gruetzemacher was expected to face Jesus Pinedo on March 23, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 148.[41] However, on March 13, 2019, it was reported that Gruetzemacher was pulled from the bout due to injury and was replaced by John Makdessi.[42]

Gruetzemacher faced Alexander Hernandez on October 31, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 181.[43] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[44]

Gruetzemacher faced Rafa García on July 31, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 28.[45] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[46]

Gruetzemacher faced Claudio Puelles on December 4, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 31.[47] He lost the fight via a kneebar in round three.[48]

Championships and accomplishments

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Personal life

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Former UFC and WEC fighter and current Bellator fighter, Benson Henderson and Gruetzemacher are teammates, and they are longtime training partners.[1][12]

Since most of his teammates and teachers could not pronounce his last name "Gruetzemacher" correctly (pronounced : Gritz-mock-er) when he was young, they just called him "Gritz" (which is how the beginning of this last name is pronounced) and this is how his nickname 'Gritz" was coined.[12]

Gruetzemacher cut his signature "caveman" long hair and donated it to Wigs for Kids, a charity for children who suffer from cancer, in 2017.[50][51]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
20 matches 15 wins 5 losses
By knockout 7 1
By submission 3 4
By decision 5 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 15–5 Claudio Puelles Submission (kneebar) UFC on ESPN: Font vs. Aldo December 4, 2021 3 3:25 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 15–4 Rafa García Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland July 31, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 14–4 Alexander Hernandez KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva October 31, 2020 1 1:46 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 14–3 Joe Lauzon TKO (corner stoppage) UFC 223 April 7, 2018 2 5:00 Brooklyn, New York, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 13–3 Davi Ramos Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega December 9, 2017 3 0:50 Fresno, California, United States
Loss 13–2 Chas Skelly Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Bermudez vs. Korean Zombie February 4, 2017 2 2:01 Houston, Texas, United States Featherweight bout.
Win 13–1 Abner Lloveras Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale December 11, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lightweight debut.
Win 12–1 John Gunderson Decision (unanimous) WSOF 9 March 29, 2014 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–1 Roli Delgado TKO (elbows) ShoFight 20 June 16, 2012 3 3:24 Springfield, Missouri, United States
Win 10–1 Frank Gomez TKO (punches) WMMA 1 March 31, 2012 1 3:25 El Paso, Texas, United States
Win 9–1 Randy Campbell KO (punch) Duel for Domination: MMA Extravaganza November 26, 2011 1 1:07 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 8–1 Jeff Fletcher TKO (punches) Rage in the Cage 153 July 16, 2011 2 2:41 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win 7–1 Gabe Rivas Submission (armbar) Rage in the Cage 152 May 21, 2011 1 2:25 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win 6–1 Ryan Diaz TKO (doctor stoppage) Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs. Taylor August 13, 2010 1 N/A Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 5–1 Nadeem Al-Hassan TKO (punches) Rage in the Cage 140 March 20, 2010 1 2:51 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 4–1 Eric Regan Decision (unanimous) Rage in the Cage 139 February 13, 2010 3 3:00 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 3–1 Oscar Rodriguez Submission (armbar) World Fighting Federation 1 October 3, 2009 1 1:45 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 2–1 Josh Gaskins Decision (split) AG: Extreme Beat Down April 11, 2009 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 1–1 Joe Cronin Submission (guillotine choke) Rage in the Cage 122 February 28, 2009 1 0:25 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 1–0 Shawn Scott Submission (armbar) Evolution MMA October 4, 2008 3 1:42 Phoenix, Arizona, United States Featherweight debut.

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Chris Gruetzemacher – Official UFC Fighter Profile". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  2. ^ a b "Chris Gruetzemacher". Tapology. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Sherdog.com. "Chris". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  4. ^ a b "Martial Arts Instructors At 2KnuckleSports MMA Academy". 2knucklesports.com. Archived from the original on 2017-09-29. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  5. ^ a b "On the rise: Top 145 lb prospect Chris Gruetzemacher interview exclusive with MMAmania.com (Part two)". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  6. ^ "TUF News: The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber – Ep. 3 Recap". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  7. ^ "The Ultimate Fighter 22 episode 3". Видео Dailymotion. 2015-09-27. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  8. ^ mmaoutsiderpodcast (2012-07-11), MMA Outsider Podcast Interview with Chris Gruetzemacher, retrieved 2017-09-29
  9. ^ FILM N SHOOT CO (2010-08-15), Chris "Gritz" Gruetzemacher – Strikeforce Interview, retrieved 2017-09-29
  10. ^ "The Ultimate Fighter 22 episode 3 by Sports MMA". Dailymotion. 2015-09-27. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  11. ^ "Gruetzemacher is ready for UFC Houston | isportsweb". isportsweb. 2017-01-31. Archived from the original on 2017-09-29. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  12. ^ a b c "On the rise: Top 145 lb prospect Chris Gruetzemacher interview exclusive with MMAmania.com (Part one)". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  13. ^ a b "TUF 22 Finale results: Chris Gruetzemacher beats Abner Lloveras by unanimous decision". MMAjunkie. 2015-12-12. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  14. ^ Sherdog.com. "CAST REVEALED FOR THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: TEAM McGREGOR vs. TEAM FABER". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  15. ^ Sherdog.com. "32-Man Cast Revealed for 'The Ultimate Fighter 22: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber'". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  16. ^ UFC FIGHT PASS -Chris Gruetzemacher vs Austin Springer The Ultimate Fighter 22: Team McGregor vs Team Faber, retrieved 2017-09-29
  17. ^ "Episode No. 1 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 22: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber'". MMAjunkie. 2015-09-10. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  18. ^ "Chris Gruetzemacher vs Austin Springer Fight Result UFC". www.mma-core.com. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  19. ^ "The Ultimate Fighter 22, Episode 3 Notes: Tensions Build and Conor McGregor Loses His Mind | MMAWeekly.com". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  20. ^ Sherdog.com. "'TUF 22' Recap: Episode 3". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  21. ^ Sherdog.com. "'TUF 22' Recap: Episode 10". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  22. ^ "TUF 22 Results, Recap (Ep. 10)". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  23. ^ "The Ultimate Fighter 22 episode 7 by Sports MMA". Dailymotion. 2015-11-05. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  24. ^ "The Ultimate Fighter 22, Episode 7 Notes: Backyard Brawl Narrowly Avoided | MMAWeekly.com". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  25. ^ "Abner Lloveras vs Chris Gruetzemacher el 11-12-15 TUF 22 Final". MMA k1 BOXEO (in European Spanish). 2015-12-11. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  26. ^ "Chris Gruetzemacher vs Abner Lloveras TUF 22 Finale Full Fight Part 1 MMA Video". MMA-Core. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  27. ^ a b "Chas Skelly vs Chris Gruetzemacher Full Fight UFC Fight Night 104 MMA Video". MMA-Core. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  28. ^ "UFC Fight Night 104 results: Chas Skelly outwrestles, chokes out Chris Gruetzemacher". MMAjunkie. 2017-02-05. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  29. ^ "Chas Skelly vs Chris Gruetzemacher Fight Video UFC FN 104 – mma versus". mmaversus.com. Archived from the original on 2017-09-29. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  30. ^ "UFC Houston results: Chas Skelly submits Chris Gruetzemacher | BJPenn.com". | BJPenn.com. 2017-02-04. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  31. ^ "'TUF' winner Martin Bravo vs. Chris Gruetzemacher added to UFC Fight Night 114 in Mexico City". MMAjunkie. 2017-06-01. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  32. ^ "With Chris Gruetzemacher out, Martin Bravo now meets Humberto Bandenay at UFC Fight Night 114". MMAjunkie. 2017-07-21. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  33. ^ DNA, MMA (2017-07-19). "Chris Gruetzemacher out, Humberto Bandenay in tegen Martín Bravo tijdens UFC Mexico City". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  34. ^ David Tees (2017-09-30). "Davi Ramos faces Chris Gruetzemacher at UFC Fight Night Fresno". fightful.com. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  35. ^ "VIDEO: Davi Ramos pulls off slick choke of Chris Gruetzemacher at UFC Fresno". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  36. ^ DNA, MMA (25 January 2018). "Joe Lauzon vs. Chris Gruetzemacher slated for UFC 223". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  37. ^ "UFC 223 results: Chris Gruetzemacher leaves Joe Lauzon a bloody mess for TKO win". MMAjunkie. 2018-04-08. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  38. ^ a b "UFC 223 bonuses: Magomedsharipov-Bochniak an all-time no-brainer for 'Fight of Night'". MMAjunkie. 2018-04-08. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  39. ^ Staff (2018-09-19). "Beneil Dariush vs. Chris Gruetzemacher targeted for UFC Fight Night 139 in Denver". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-09-19.
  40. ^ DNA, MMA (2018-10-19). "Thiago Moises pakt short notice partij tegen Beneil Dariush tijdens UFC Denver". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2018-10-19.
  41. ^ Marcel Dorff (2019-02-26). "Jesus Pinedo meets Chris Gruetzemacher at UFC Fight Night 148 in Nashville" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2019-02-26.
  42. ^ "Canadian John Makdessi gets new opponent for UFC card in Nashville". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved 2019-03-14.
  43. ^ "UFC adds Alexander Hernandez vs. Chris Gruetzemacher to Oct. 31 lineup". MMA Junkie. 2020-10-05. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
  44. ^ Marrocco, Steven (2020-10-31). "UFC Vegas 12 video: Alexander Hernandez shreds Chris Gruetzemacher in under two minutes". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  45. ^ DNA, MMA (2021-04-17). "Rafa Garcia en Christ Gruetzemacher treffen elkaar op 31 juli". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
  46. ^ Vreeland, Daniel (2021-07-31). "UFC Vegas 33 Results: Chris Gruetzemacher Pours it on, Decisions Rafa Garcia". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  47. ^ DNA, MMA (2021-08-31). "BREAKING: Claudio Puelles treft Chris Gruetzemacher tijdens UFC evenement op 4 december". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  48. ^ Behunin, Alex (2021-12-04). "UFC Vegas 44: Claudio Puelles Subs Chris Gruetzemacher With Kneebar". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  49. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 31, 2018). "The Biggest Upsets of 2018". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  50. ^ "UFC Announces Lineup For Superbowl Weekend Fight Night In Houston | The Official Website of Mike "The Truth" Jackson". The Official Website of Mike "The Truth" Jackson. 2016-12-04. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  51. ^ "UFC Fighter, Chris Gruetzemacher Supports Wigs for Kids" (PDF). 2 Knuckle Sport. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 29, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  52. ^ Sherdog.com. "Chris". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-04-15.
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