Eric Shelton (fighter)


Eric Maurice Shelton is an American mixed martial arts fighter competed in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2013, he has also competed for the RFA and was a contestant on.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Shelton began his professional MMA career in July 2013, upon compiling an impressive 11–2 record during his amateur career. Over the next three-and-a-half years he fought mainly in the mid-west, amassing a record of 10–2.

The Ultimate Fighter

In July 2016, it was announced that Shelton would be a cast member of. He was ranked #15 and selected by Team Benavidez.
In the first round, Shelton defeated Yoni Sherbatov via technical submission in the second round. In the quarterfinals, he defeated Ronaldo Candido by unanimous decision. In the semifinals, Shelton lost to eventual winner Tim Elliott via unanimous decision after two rounds.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

After The Ultimate Fighter, Shelton was signed to a UFC contract. He faced Alexandre Pantoja in his debut on January 28, 2017 at. He lost the fight via split decision.
In his second fight for the promotion, Shelton faced Jarred Brooks on July 29, 2017 at UFC 214. He again lost the fight via split decision.
In his third fight for the promotion, Shelton faced Jenel Lausa on November 19, 2017 at. He won the fight via unanimous decision to earn his first UFC victory.
Shelton faced Alex Perez on February 24, 2018 at. At the weigh-ins, Perez weighed in at 126.5 pounds, half a pound over the lightweight non title fight upper limit of 126 pounds. As a result, the bout proceeded at catchweight and Perez was fined 20% of his purse, which went to Shelton. Shelton lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Shelton faced Joseph Morales on November 10, 2018 at. He won the fight via split decision.
Shelton faced Jordan Espinosa on March 23, 2019 at. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
On May 26, 2019 it was reported that Shelton was released by UFC.

Post-UFC career

After being released from the UFC, Shelton signed with the WXC. He made his promotional debut against Jesse Bazzi at WXC 83 on October 30, 2019. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
With the win, Shelton earned a title shot against Juancamilo Ronderos at WXC 85 on December 18, 2019. He lost the fight via split decision.
On June 6, 2020, news surfaced that Shelton had signed with ARES FC.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts exhibition record