Bart Palaszewski

Background

Palaszewski was born in Warsaw, Poland and lived there until he was 13 years old when he and his family immigrated to Wonder Lake, Illinois. In Poland, he was a "punching bag" for his older cousin who was involved in kickboxing, and Palaszewski also began judo when he was in the third grade. However, his coach became an Olympian and after Palaszewski was not happy with his old coach's replacement, he trained for six months in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai before being introduced to mixed martial arts. He trained whilst working as a photographer and graphic designer and holding other computer-related jobs. Then, after seeing his first MMA event at a show in McHenry, Illinois, Palaszewski was hooked. Although his official record indicates that he lost his first four professional fights, he claims that he had other wins professionally but only the four losses were documented when his coach sent in the results. Nevertheless, he then bounced back with eight consecutive victories.

World Extreme Cagefighting

Palaszewski made his WEC debut against Alex Karalexis at WEC 37. He won the fight via second round TKO, earning Knockout of the Night honors.

Palaszewski suffered back to back losses against Ricardo Lamas via unanimous decision at WEC 39, and Anthony Njokuani via second round at WEC 40. The loss to Njokuani is to this date the only TKO/KO loss of his career.

Palaszewski fought touted prospect Anthony Pettis on December 19, 2009 at WEC 45. He gave Pettis his first professional loss via split decision.

Palaszewski defeated Karen Darabedyan via first round submission at WEC 47.

Palaszewski faced Zach Micklewright on August 18, 2010 at WEC 50. He won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Palaszewski was expected to face Kamal Shalorus on November 11, 2010 at WEC 52., but the bout was moved to WEC 53 after Shalorus suffered a hand injury. Palaszewski lost to Shalorus via a split decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, most WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.

Palaszewski was expected to face Cody McKenzie on May 28, 2011 at UFC 130. However, McKenzie was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Gleison Tibau. Palaszewski himself was forced from the Tibau bout with an injury and replaced by Rafaello Oliveira.

Palaszewski returned to face Tyson Griffin in a featherweight bout on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Palaszewski won via first round KO after dropping Griffin with a left hook and finishing the fight with a flurry of punches against the cage, earning Knockout of the Night honors.

Palaszewski faced Hatsu Hioki on February 26, 2012 at UFC 144. Hioki defeated Palaszewski via unanimous decision.

Palaszewski faced Diego Nunes on October 5, 2012 at UFC on FX 5., losing via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27). Despite the loss, he still earned the "Fight of the Night" bonus.

Palaszewski faced Cole Miller on April 13, 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. Palaszewski lost the fight via submission in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.

On February in 2014, Palaszewski announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition.

Personal life

Palaszewski and his girlfriend Jen were married on November 15, 2008. The couple have a daughter who was born in August 2007.

Championships and achievements