Spencer Fisher

Background

Fisher was born in Cashiers, North Carolina, played soccer while growing up, and was also a fan of professional wrestling. Fisher was introduced to martial arts when he began practicing Shotokan Karate and Jeet Kun Do at a young age in his school's cafeteria. Fisher then transitioned to boxing in 1992 and began training for MMA soon after. Before becoming a professional fighter, he worked in landscaping and security.

Early career

Fisher made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2002 and compiled a record of 14-1 before being signed by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

He made his UFC debut at Ultimate Fight Night 2, scoring a second-round submission victory over Thiago Alves. He then defeated Aaron Riley at Ultimate Fight Night 3 by TKO due to a doctor stoppage after the first round after Fisher broke Riley's Jaw with strikes. Perhaps Fisher's most notable early fight was with Canadian kickboxer Sam Stout on the undercard of UFC 58. When Stout's original opponent Kenny Florian sustained an injury in training that left him unable to compete, Fisher took the fight on very late notice, reportedly having to cut twenty pounds in the final two days leading up to the match. Although Fisher seemed to land the harder punches, Stout landed more and came away with a controversial split decision.

Fisher returned at UFC 60 against Matt Wiman and won by knockout in the second round, knocking Wiman out with a flying knee. Fisher was able to record another first round TKO at UFC 64 against Dan Lauzon. His win streak came to a halt at Ultimate Fight Night 8, after a back and forth fight Fisher was defeated in the second round by TKO due to punches by Hermes Franca. The bout won the "Fight of the Night" award.

In a highly anticipated rematch, Fisher defeated Sam Stout at Fight Night 10 by unanimous decision after three rounds. This rematch with Stout propelled Fisher into the spotlight, as it was the main event, it won Fight of the Night and because both fighters took massive amounts of punishment throughout the fight. It has also been named as one of the UFC's 100 Greatest Fights. Fisher was scheduled to fight Din Thomas at UFC Fight Night 11, but was forced to withdraw due to a staph infection. Ironically, Fisher's replacement for this match was Kenny Florian, whom Fisher had replaced in the UFC 58 fight against Sam Stout.

Fisher fought Frankie Edgar at UFC 78 on November 17, 2007. Fisher lost the fight by unanimous decision. Fisher's next fight was scheduled to be against Marcus Aurélio at UFC Fight Night 13, but he was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. With his shoulder healed, Fisher was next scheduled to fight young up and comer Jeremy Stephens at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest Finale on June 21, 2008. Fisher dominated Stephens and won by unanimous decision.

Fisher defeated Shannon Gugerty by submission due to a triangle choke at UFC 90 in Chicago on October 25, 2008.

Fisher won his fight at UFC 99 via unanimous decision defeating veteran Caol Uno. Fisher lost to Joe Stevenson at UFC 104 by submission (elbow strikes) in the second round.

Fisher was scheduled to face vicious striker Duane Ludwig on March 21, 2010 at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones, but Fisher was forced off the card with an injury. Ludwig faced UFC newcomer Darren Elkins instead.

Fisher faced Dennis Siver on June 19, 2010 at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Fisher's next fight was against UFC newcomer Curt Warburton on October 16, 2010 at UFC 120. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Fisher faced Ross Pearson on February 27, 2011 at UFC 127. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Fisher then faced Thiago Tavares on August 27, 2011 at UFC 134. He lost via TKO at 2:51 of round 2.

Fisher faced Sam Stout for the third time on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Both participants earned Fight of the Night honors for their performances.

Following his loss to Stout, Fisher announced he would be retiring from MMA.

Fisher decided against retirement and was expected to face Yves Edwards on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8. However, on July 11, Fisher was removed from the bout due to injury and replaced by Daron Cruickshank.

Personal life

Fisher is married to female mixed martial arts fighter Emily Fisher. The couple has three daughters.

In addition to his fighting career, Fisher owns and operates the "Team Evolution" gym in Moline, Illinois where he trains up-and-coming fighters.