Raufeon Stots (born December 16, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist and graduated collegiate wrestler.
[1] He then earned a scholarship at Labette Community College and became an All-American with a fourth-place finish in the NJCAA level as a freshman.
[6] He then transferred to the University of Nebraska-Kearney (NCAA Division II), where he was forced to take a medical redshirt instead of a junior season.
[7][4] When transferring from collegiate wrestling to mixed martial arts, Stots found that it wasn't only his work ethic but also the body awareness that helped him move over and adapt to the new sport quickly.
[8] During his transition, fellow Nebraska wrestler-turned-mixed martial artist Kamaru Usman, took Stots under his wing as a mentor.
[8] Stots got into mixed martial arts after being introduced to the sport by Jens Pulver and Pat Miletich.
[9] After turning pro in May 2015, he compiled 8 wins and no losses before competing at a regional event featured on the Lookin' for a Fight show, in an attempt of getting signed by the UFC.
Stots said the signing of prospects in the sport instead of former UFC fighters was a big reason, giving him the opportunity to fight some of the best in the world.
[25] Stots won the bout and became the interim champion after knocking down Archuleta with a head kick and then finishing him on the ground with elbows at the beginning of the third round.