Chris Barnett American mixed martial artist Date of Birth: 14.06.1986 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Martial Arts Background
2. Collegiate Wrestling and Judo
3. Transition to MMA and Professional Debut

Early Life and Martial Arts Background

Chris Barnett, an American mixed martial artist competing in the heavyweight division of the UFC, was born in Zaragoza, Spain, where his father served in the Air Force. The family later relocated to Germany and subsequently to Colorado. From a tender age, Chris immersed himself in martial arts, particularly taekwondo. Inspired by his older brother Curtis, a former USA Junior Taekwondo Champion and Olympic hopeful, Chris pursued his passion for combat sports.

Collegiate Wrestling and Judo

Following high school, Barnett enrolled at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, where he honed his grappling skills in wrestling and judo. These disciplines laid the foundation for his future success in mixed martial arts.

Transition to MMA and Professional Debut

After graduating from college, Barnett moved to Tampa and began training in mixed martial arts. In October 2008, he attended a tryout for the Florida-based Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC) and impressed with his athleticism and technical proficiency despite weighing 320 pounds (145 kg). On April 25, 2009, at the age of 22, Barnett made his professional debut against veteran Jonathan Ivey, securing a unanimous decision victory.