Austin Vanderford (born March 21, 1990) is an American professional mixed martial artist, who competes in the Middleweight division.

After finishing his college career graduating with a bachelor's degree, he took up a coaching job with the university for a couple of years, before following his desire to fight competitively.

[1][2][3][4] Making his professional debut at Prime Fighting 9 on March 11, 2017, Vanderford faced Sol Renato, going on to defeat him via TKO in first round.

[5] He would go on to tap out Kenny Licea in the second round via rear-naked choke at VFC 59, before he was invited to face Angelo Trevino on July 17, 2018, at Dana White's Contender Series 13.

[10] Vanderford faced Joseph Creer at Bellator 225 on August 25, 2019, winning the bout after the doctor stopped the fight after the second round.

[11] On November 15, 2019, at Bellator 234, he faced Russian submission specialist Grachik Bozinyan, defeating him via unanimous decision.