Kyle Bochniak


Kyle Bochniak is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division. A professional competitor since 2014, he has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and CES MMA.

Background

Bochniak associated with the wrong crowd when he was growing up where he was drinking excessively and engaging in substance abuse activities. His unhealthy habits led him to drop out of school, and he was in a coma for a week due to overdosing on prescription pills. Bochniak eventually ended up in jail where he found out his father, who left his mother when Bochniak was two, was in the next cell from his. Bochniak realized he did not want to end up like his father, so he made a pledge with the judge with a heartfelt arraignment speech. The judge granted Bochniak five year probation of his offense where he was transferred to Hartford, Connecticut. In Hartford, Bochniak started learning welding and eventually landed a job as a welder. He later stumbled into Broadway Jiu-Jitsu where he started his journey to be a mixed martial artist, which turned his life around.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

He began training in mixed martial arts in 2010 and starting competing in amateur fights a year later. After compiling a record of 5–1 as an amateur, he started fighting professionally in 2014.
Bochniak compiled an undefeated record of 6–0 on the regional circuit, competing exclusively for CES MMA in nearby Rhode Island. He was signed by the UFC in early 2016.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Bochniak made his promotional debut on January 17, 2016 as a short notice replacement for Jimy Hettes against Charles Rosa at UFC Fight Night 81. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Bochniak returned to face Enrique Barzola on August 27, 2016 at UFC on Fox 21. He won the fight via split decision.
Bochniak was expected to face Godofredo Pepey on March 11, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 106. However, both fighters pulled out of the fight during the week leading up to the event citing injuries and the bout was scrapped.
Bochniak faced Jeremy Kennedy on July 22, 2017 at UFC on Fox 25. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Bochniak faced Brandon Davis on January 20, 2018 at UFC 220. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Bochniak faced Zabit Magomedsharipov on April 7, 2018 at UFC 223. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. The fight, considered by many to be one of the greatest fights of all time, earned him a Fight of the Night bonus.
Bochniak faced Hakeem Dawodu on December 8, 2018 at UFC 231. He lost the fight via split decision.
Bochniak faced promotional newcomer Sean Woodson on October 18, 2019 at UFC on ESPN 6. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
On January 9, 2020, it was announced that Bochniak was released by UFC.

CES MMA

Bochniak is scheduled to face Jonathan Gary in a featherweight out at CES MMA 61 on April 24, 2020.

Championships and accomplishments