Josh Sampo


Joshua Ashley Sampo is an American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in Ultimate Fighting Championship's flyweight division.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Sampo started his professional career in 2009. He fought mainly for Missouri-based promotions as Fight Me MMA, Wright Fights and Rumble Time Promotions. He is now a seventh grade teacher at Hardin Middle School in St. Charles.

Legacy Fighting Championship

Sampo was expected to face Rafael de Freitas on September 14, 2012 at Legacy FC 14. However, instead he faced Antonio Banuelos. He won via unanimous decision .

Championship Fighting Alliance

Sampo faced Olympic medallist and Bellator MMA veteran Alexis Vila on January 19, 2013 at CFA 9: Night of Champions for the inaugural flyweight title. Sampo defeated Vila via submission due to a guillotine choke in the fifth round and became the CFA flyweight champion.
Sampo defended his title once against Sam Thao on October 12, 2013 at CFA 12: Sampo vs. Thao. He won via unanimous decision after five rounds.
In November 2013, it was announced that Sampo had signed with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Sampo made his promotional debut against fellow newcomer Ryan Benoit on November 30, 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. Sampo won via submission due to a rear-naked choke and the performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors, but Sampo was not eligible for the bonus due to missing weight.
Sampo faced Zach Makovsky on February 22, 2014 at UFC 170. Sampo had his first octagon defeat via unanimous decision.
Sampo faced promotional newcomer Paddy Holohan on July 19, 2014 at. He lost via submission due to a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Sampo faced Justin Scoggins on May 23, 2015 at UFC 187. Sampo lost the fight via unanimous decision. Subsequently, he was released from the promotion.

Bellator MMA

Sampo faced Dominic Mazzotta at Bellator 197 on April 13, 2018. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts amateur record