TJ Waldburger | |
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Born | Anthony Waldburger Jr. April 25, 1988 Temple, Texas, United States |
Nationality | American |
Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st) |
Division | Welterweight |
Reach | 75.0 in (191 cm) |
Fighting out of | Temple, Texas, United States |
Team | Grapplers Lair |
Rank | Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
Years active | 2005–present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 25 |
Wins | 16 |
By knockout | 1 |
By submission | 13 |
By decision | 2 |
Losses | 9 |
By knockout | 7 |
By decision | 2 |
Draws | 0 |
Other information | |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Anthony "TJ" Waldburger Jr. (born April 25, 1988) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2005, Waldburger has made a name for himself fighting in the southern United States.
He held an amateur record of 3-0 before turning professional at the age of 17. He lost his professional debut against Sammy Say but defeated him in his next bout to move to 1-1.
At the event, IFC: Road to Global Domination, he lost to Josh Neer but rebounded with a win over Jeff Lindsay. Waldburger defeated UFC veteran Pete Spratt via triangle choke submission in the second round. Spratt demanded a rematch and got one defeating Waldburger via knockout. He lost another fight before winning three straight. His early accomplishments include winning the Shark Fights Welterweight Championship belt in May 2009 and then defending it in September 2009.
In July 2010 it was announced Waldburger had signed with the UFC. His debut came at UFC Fight Night 22 against David Mitchell. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Waldburger was expected to face Matthew Riddle on December 11, 2010 at UFC 124. However, Waldburger was forced from the card with an injury.
Waldburger was expected to face Dennis Hallman on March 26, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 24. However, Hallman was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Johny Hendricks. Waldburger was defeated early in round one via TKO.
Waldburger was expected to face Daniel Roberts on September 17, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 25. However, Roberts was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Mike Stumpf. Waldburger defeated Stumpf via first round triangle choke submission earning Submission of the Night honors.
Waldburger next faced Jake Hecht on March 3, 2012 at UFC on FX 2. He won the fight via submission in the first round.