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George Sotiropoulos

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George Sotiropoulos
Born (1977-07-09) 9 July 1977 (age 47)
Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight (2009–present)
Welterweight (2007–2008)
Reach71 in (180 cm)
StanceOrthodox
TeamImpact Jiu-jitsu[1]
American Top Team (2012–2016)[2][3]
Omega Jiu Jitsu & MMA (2018–present)[3]
Rank2nd degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Fabiano Scherner[4]
Years active2004–2014, 2023
Professional boxing record
Total1
Wins1
Losses0
Mixed martial arts record
Total22
Wins14
By knockout1
By submission8
By decision5
Losses7
By knockout2
By decision4
By disqualification1
No contests1
Other information
UniversityVictoria University, Melbourne
Websitewww.georgesotiropoulos.com
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

George Sotiropoulos (born 9 July 1977) is an Australian former professional mixed martial artist who most notably fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in their Lightweight division. He is well known for appearing as a fighter on the TV show The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra, fighting on Team Serra and as the coach for Team Australia on The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes.[5]

Background

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Sotiropoulos grew up in Geelong, Victoria, changing schools multiple times due to occasional physical altercations he got into.[6] Despite the scuffles, Sotiropoulos fared well in his studies and got his associate's diploma in international trade from Victoria University, Melbourne.[1] Subsequently, he graduated with bachelor's degree in banking and finance, and international trade in 2001.[1]

Sotiropoulos began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1997 at the age of 19, and was promoted to black belt in 2004.[7] In 2003 and 2007, he represented Australia in the Submission Wrestling World Championships. Sotiropoulos has also competed in amateur boxing, and in 2004, won a Victorian State Amateur Boxing Championship.[8]

Mixed martial arts career

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Prior to his MMA career in the UFC, Sotiropoulos trained with veteran UFC and PRIDE fighter Enson Inoue. The two met during a winning bout Sotiropoulos had with Sergio Lourenço in Guam. He has remained affiliated with Enson Inoue's Purebred gyms throughout his career since then.[9][10][11]

Following his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra, Sotiropoulos moved to Long Island, NY to train at with Matt Serra[9][12] Sotiropoulos then relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, and trained at Xtreme Couture. During this time period he also trained at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu with Eddie Bravo.[13]

Early career

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Sotiropoulos made his professional debut in 2004 against fellow Australian Gavin Murie, in which Sotiropoulos was able to win via armbar submission in the first round. He went on to win two more fights until his first career loss via split decision to Kyle Noke in 2005, one year later he was able to avenge his first loss by defeating Noke by unanimous decision. Sotiropoulos went on to have a 7–2 record in small MMA organizations, until he was invited to participate in The Ultimate Fighter in 2007.

The Ultimate Fighter

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Sotiropoulos defeated Jared Rollins in the first round of the competition by KO.[14] He went on to defeat Richie Hightower in the quarterfinals via submission due to a kimura.[15] Sotiropoulos was then defeated by Tom Speer in the semi-finals by knockout, shortly after an accidental thumb to the eye.[16]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Sotiropoulos defeated Billy Miles at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra Finale via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:36 of the first round.[17]

Sotiropoulos defeated Roman Mitichyan at UFC Fight Night 13 on 2 April 2008 by TKO in the second round.[18]

He was scheduled to fight judoka Karo Parisyan at UFC 87, however Sotiropoulos was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Sotiropoulos was then expected to face Matt Grice at UFC Fight Night 17, but was forced to withdraw due to another injury and was replaced by Matt Veach.[19][20]

Move down to lightweight

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After an 18-month break in his career, Sotiropoulos switched weight classes, and was expected to face Rob Emerson at UFC 101 on 8 August 2009.[21] However, Emerson withdrew from the bout due to a cut and was replaced by George Roop.[22] During the bout, he showcased his high level grappling skills, passing Roop's guard with ease. Sotiropoulos eventually forced the tap out with a kimura lock in the second round.[23]

Sotiropoulos defeated Ultimate Fighter 9 alumni Jason Dent in the second round via armbar submission on 21 November 2009, at UFC 106.[24] In a post-fight interview following the win, Sotiropoulos stated his desire to compete at the UFC 110 card, in Sydney, Australia.[25] Sotiropoulos' wish was granted and faced Joe Stevenson on 21 February 2010 at UFC 110.[26] Making his first appearance on the main card of a UFC pay-per-view event, Sotiropoulos improved to 5–0 in the UFC as he defeated Stevenson via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) in a dominant performance, prompting Dana White to say that Sotiropoulos was "in the mix" for a title shot.[27] The fight earned Sotiropoulos his first Fight of the Night award in the UFC.[28]

Sotiropoulos fought Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 116 on 3 July 2010, and won by a commanding unanimous decision.[29]

Sotiropoulos then faced Joe Lauzon on 20 November 2010 at UFC 123.[30] Sotiropoulos survived a fast start by his opponent, thus gassing Lauzon in one round, and allowing Sotiropoulos to dominate the next round, winning by kimura in the second round in a bout that won Fight of the Night honors.[31][32] The win pushed Sotiropoulos to a perfect 7–0 record in the UFC and established him as one of the top contenders in the UFC's lightweight division.

Losing streak and release

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Sotiropoulos suffered his first UFC loss to Dennis Siver via unanimous decision at UFC 127.[33] Sotiropoulos was unable to take the fight to the ground and was forced to strike with the German Kickboxing Champion Siver.[34] The loss setback Sotiropoulos' chances of a title shot.[35]

Sotiropoulos was expected to face Evan Dunham on 2 July 2011 at UFC 132.[36] However, Dunham was forced out of the bout with an injury, and replaced by Rafael dos Anjos.[37] Sotiropoulos was knocked out just 59 seconds into the first round.[38]

Sotiropoulos was expected to face former PRIDE Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi on 26 February 2012 at UFC 144.[39] However, Sotiropoulos was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Eiji Mitsuoka.[40]

In July 2012 Sotiropoulos was confirmed as the Australian coach for The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, and faced Ross Pearson on 15 December 2012 at the finale - UFC on FX 6.[41] Pearson dominated him throughout the fight, and although he narrowly avoiding being knocked out several times, Sotiropoulos was visibly rocked in all three rounds; being knocked down in two of them. He eventually lost the fight via third-round TKO from Pearson.[42]

Sotiropoulos faced Hawaiian K. J. Noons on 19 October 2013 at UFC 166.[43] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[44]

After losing four in a row, Sotiropoulos was released from his UFC contract on 18 December 2013.[45]

Titan Fighting Championship

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On 22 January 2014 it was announced that Sotiropoulos had signed a four-fight contract with Titan Fighting Championship and was expected to debut on 25 April at Titan FC 28[46] against Mike Ricci however Ricci withdrew from the bout due to injury.[47] The bout was rescheduled and took place at Titan FC 29 on 22 August 2014. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[48]

Almost a decade removed from his previous bout, Sotiropoulos faced Josh Togo at HEX Fight Series 26 on 26 May 2023.[49] The bout ended in a no contest in the second round after an accidental eye poke rendered Togo unable to continue.[50]

Other media

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Sotiropoulous is featured in UFC Undisputed 3 as a Lightweight fighter alongside the likes of Clay Guida, Dennis Siver, Joe Lauzon and Frankie Edgar.[51]

Personal life

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After years of living in Washington state and New York City,[52][53] Sotiropoulos moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2016 and currently manages his own MMA gym, Omega Jiu-Jitsu & MMA there.[3]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
22 matches 14 wins 7 losses
By knockout 1 2
By submission 8 0
By decision 5 4
By disqualification 0 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
NC 14–7 (1) Josh Togo No Contest (accidental eye poke) HEX Fight Series 26 26 May 2023 2 Kensington, Australia
Loss 14–7 Mike Ricci Decision (unanimous) Titan FC 29: Ricci vs. Sotiropoulos 22 August 2014 3 5:00 Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States
Loss 14–6 K. J. Noons Decision (unanimous) UFC 166 19 October 2013 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 14–5 Ross Pearson TKO (punches) UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson 15 December 2012 3 0:41 Gold Coast, Australia
Loss 14–4 Rafael dos Anjos KO (punch) UFC 132 2 July 2011 1 0:59 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 14–3 Dennis Siver Decision (unanimous) UFC 127 27 February 2011 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia
Win 14–2 Joe Lauzon Submission (kimura) UFC 123 20 November 2010 2 2:43 Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States Fight of the Night
Win 13–2 Kurt Pellegrino Decision (unanimous) UFC 116 3 July 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 12–2 Joe Stevenson Decision (unanimous) UFC 110 21 February 2010 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia Fight of the Night
Win 11–2 Jason Dent Submission (armbar) UFC 106 21 November 2009 2 4:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 10–2 George Roop Submission (kimura) UFC 101 8 August 2009 2 1:59 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Lightweight debut
Win 9–2 Roman Mitichyan TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon 2 April 2008 2 2:24 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 8–2 Billy Miles Submission (rear-naked choke) The Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale 8 December 2007 1 1:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–2 Jung Hwan Cha Submission (armbar) Spirit MC 11: Invasion 22 April 2007 2 3:27 Seoul, South Korea
Loss 6–2 Shinya Aoki DQ (groin strike) Shooto: Champion Carnival 14 October 2006 2 0:05 Yokohama, Japan
Win 6–1 Shigetoshi Iwase Decision (unanimous) Kokoro: Kill Or Be Killed 15 August 2006 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 5–1 Kyle Noke Decision (unanimous) Warriors Realm 5 25 February 2006 5 5:00 Sydney, Australia
Win 4–1 Sergio Lourenco Decision (unanimous) FFCF 5: Unleashed 27 January 2006 3 5:00 Mangilao, Guam
Loss 3–1 Kyle Noke Decision (split) Warriors Realm 4 2 July 2005 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia
Win 3–0 Marcio Bittencourt Submission (rear-naked choke) K-1 Challenge 2004 Oceania vs World 18 December 2004 1 3:30 Gold Coast, Australia
Win 2–0 Kelly Jacobs Submission (armbar) Warriors Realm 2 10 December 2004 1 4:12 Sunshine Coast, Australia
Win 1–0 Gavin Murie Submission (armbar) XFC 6: Ultimate Fighting Returns 20 November 2004 1 1:28 Gold Coast, Australia

Professional boxing record

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1 fight 1 win 0 losses
By decision 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Win 1–0 Australia Joel Casey UD 6 13 April 2007 Australia Darebin Sports & Leisure Centre, Reservoir, Victoria, Australia

References

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  1. ^ a b c Ingo Weigold (24 February 2011). "George Sotiropoulos: "The fighter's definitely in me"". mmanuts.com.
  2. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (14 December 2012). "George Sotiropoulos – Still committed". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  3. ^ a b c Chuck Mindenhall (11 August 2018). "Always a teacher at heart, UFC vet George Sotiropoulos opens his own gym in Melbourne". mmafighting.com.
  4. ^ George Sotiropoulos [@georgesots] (27 June 2014). "Tonight I was awarded my 2nd degree black belt. Thank You professor @fabianoscherner" – via Instagram.
  5. ^ Meltzer, Dave (27 August 2007). "Participants in Ultimate Fighter season six are announced". Los Angeles Times.com. Archived from the original on 24 October 2007. Retrieved 27 August 2007.
  6. ^ UFC (21 March 2022). UFC 123 Countdown - George Sotiropoulos - Australia – via YouTube.
  7. ^ "Bio | George Sotiropoulos". Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  8. ^ "George Sotriopoulos Official Website". Archived from the original on 28 February 2009. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  9. ^ a b "Interview: Enson Inoue & George Sotiropoulos (Part Two)". total-mma.com. 5 May 2008. Archived from the original on 6 May 2008. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  10. ^ "Interview: Enson Inoue & George Sotiropoulos (Part One)". total-mma.com. 2 May 2008. Archived from the original on 15 January 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  11. ^ "Purebred". Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  12. ^ "Serra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academies on Long Island, New York". Archived from the original on 15 November 2009.
  13. ^ "George Sotiropoulos Interview w/ 10th Planet Watch". 10thplanetwatch.com. 16 September 2009. Retrieved 19 September 2009.
  14. ^ Michael Shalik (1 November 2007). "Results - The Ultimate Fighter 6, Episode 7". mmanews.com.
  15. ^ Jesse Holland (21 November 2007). "Ultimate Fighter 6: Episode 10 recap and discussion". mmamania.com.
  16. ^ Jesse Holland (5 December 2007). "Ultimate Fighter 6: Episode 12 recap and discussion". mmamania.com.
  17. ^ "Ultimate Fighter 6 finale live results". mmaweekly.com. 8 December 2007.
  18. ^ "UFC Fight Night 13 Live Results from Broomfield, Colorado". mmaweekly.com. 31 March 2008.
  19. ^ "George Sotiropoulos out, debuting Matt Veach in for UFC Fight Night 17". mmajunkie.com. 28 January 2009. Archived from the original on 13 January 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  20. ^ "Matt Veach steps in for injured George Sotiropolous to fight Matt Grice at UFC Fight Night 17". mmamania.com. 29 January 2009.
  21. ^ "George Sotiropoulos vs. Rob Emerson UFC 101 fight booked for August 8". mmamania.com. 5 May 2009.
  22. ^ "Rob Emerson out George Roop in vs. George Sotiropoulos at UFC 101". aroundtheoctagon.com. 22 July 2009. Archived from the original on 28 July 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  23. ^ ""UFC 101: Declaration" live round by round coverage and official results". MMAjunkie.com. 8 August 2009.
  24. ^ "UFC 106 Jason Dent vs George Sotiropoulos: Dent vs Sotiropoulos UFC 106". Profighting-fans.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
  25. ^ "UFC 106 Win Helps Sotiropoulos Land on UFC 110 Card". mmafighting.com. 22 November 2009. Archived from the original on 24 November 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  26. ^ "Joe Stevenson vs. George Sotiropoulos Planned for UFC 110 in Australia". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 29 November 2009.
  27. ^ "Dana White says title talk premature, but UFC 110's George Sotiropoulos "in the mix"". Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  28. ^ a b "UFC 110 bonuses: Sotiropoulos, Stevenson, Velasquez and Lytle earn $50,000 awards". MMAjunkie.com. 21 February 2010.
  29. ^ Damon Martin (3 July 2010). "Sotiropoulos wins again, dominates Pellegrino". mmaweekly.com.
  30. ^ "George Sotiropoulos vs. Joe Lauzon slated for UFC 123, title shot may loom". mmajunkie.com. 8 September 2010. Archived from the original on 11 September 2010.
  31. ^ Michael David Smith (20 November 2010). "UFC 123: George Sotiropoulos Submits Joe Lauzon". mmafighting.com.
  32. ^ a b Jesse Holland (21 November 2010). "UFC 123 bonuses and awards for 'Rampage vs Machida' PPV fights". mmamania.com.
  33. ^ "George Sotiropoulos Gets His Wish, Faces Dennis Siver on the main card at UFC 127 in Sydney". MMAWeekly.com. 21 November 2010. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
  34. ^ "Siver Pulls off an Upset". 27 February 2011.
  35. ^ "Noke collects $790 a second by choking rival into submission". 27 February 2011.
  36. ^ "UFC 132: Evan Dunham vs George Sotiropoulos booked for Fourth of July weekend event". MMAmania.com. 17 March 2010.
  37. ^ "George Sotiropoulos to fight Brazilian star Rafael dos Anjos". heraldsun.com.au. 3 May 2011.
  38. ^ Michael David Smith (2 July 2011). "Rafael Dos Anjos Knocks Out George Sotiropoulos in a Minute". mmafighting.com.
  39. ^ "Takanori Gomi vs George Sotiropoulos announced for Feb. 26 in Japan". mmamania.com. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  40. ^ "UFC 144: George Sotiropoulos Out, Eiji Mitsuoka In Against Takanori Gomi". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
  41. ^ "UFC on FX 6 Will Also Feature vs. Pearons and 'The Smashes' Finals". mmaweekly.com. 7 September 2012.
  42. ^ Jack Woodfield (16 December 2012). "Pearson wins Smashes finale". skysports.com.
  43. ^ Daniel Sankey (25 July 2013). "George Sotiropoulos to fight K. J. Noons at UFC 166". smh.com.au. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  44. ^ "UFC 166 Play-by play: George Sotiropoulos vs. KJ Noons". mmaweekly.com. 18 October 2013.
  45. ^ "Three fighters removed from UFC rosters". bloodyelbow.com. 19 December 2013.
  46. ^ "G-Sots Signs Four-Fight Deal with Titan FC". 22 January 2014.
  47. ^ "Titan FC 28: Mike Ricci Withdrawing from Bout with George Sotiropoulus".
  48. ^ "Video: Titan FC 29 highlights featuring Mike Ricci win over George Sotiropoulos". 24 August 2014.
  49. ^ Farah Hannoun (4 April 2023). "45-year-old George Sotiropoulos booked for his first fight since 2014 at Hex Fight Series 26". MMAjunkie.com.
  50. ^ Alex Behunin (28 May 2023). "Former UFC contender George Sotiropoulos' nine-year return spoiled by brutal eye poke". mmamania.com.
  51. ^ Derr, Garrett. "UFC Undisputed 3 Releases Full Roster". Bleacher Report.
  52. ^ "George Sotiropoulos gets married in New York City". BLOODYELBOW.com. 16 August 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
  53. ^ "Vancouver fighter set for ultimate challenge". Columbian.com. 19 February 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
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