Mackens Semerzier (born November 3, 1980) is an American retired professional mixed martial artist who last competed in the Featherweight division. A professional competitor from 2008 until 2012, he competed for the UFC and WEC.
Background
In 1999 Mackens placed 6th in the 6A Florida High School Wrestling tournament and was a Disney Duals AAU Wrestling National runner up. At the age of 19, Semerzier signed on to the U.S. Marines. While enrolled, he would begin training a lot of boxing. A little later, through a Marine Corps Martial Arts program, he learned other elements of the MMA game, which he would supplement with training at civilian gyms, most notably Linxx Academy in Virginia Beach, where he still trains and coaches.[1]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Semerzier made his pro debut against Ryan Lamareaux on a local North Carolina MMA card. Semerzier won the bout in the third round after locking up a rear naked choke submission. Only a little over a month after his pro debut, Semerzier had his second fight, again winning via rear naked choke submission.
He won two more fights, finishing both opponents, before signing with the World Extreme Cagefighting in 2009.
World Extreme Cagefighting
Semerzier made his debut for the promotion at WEC 43 stunning the former IFL Featherweight Champion, Wagnney Fabiano. Semerzier submitted the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace in the first round via triangle choke. He earned himself Submission of the Night, and also was awarded "Sherdog's 2009 Upset of the Year".[2][3]
Semerzier was scheduled to face Anthony Morrison on April 24, 2010, at WEC 48,[5] but Semerzier was forced from the card with an injury.[6] Instead of fighting Morrison, he fought Javier Vazquez. Semerzier was defeated via second round submission on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50.[7]
Semerzier was defeated by Cub Swanson via split decision in a back and forth affair on November 11, 2010, at WEC 52 in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.
Semerzier was expected to face Mike Lullo on September 17, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 25.[13] However, Semerzier was forced from the bout with an injury [14] and was replaced by Robbie Peralta[15]
Semerzier faced Robbie Peralta on November 12, 2011, at UFC on Fox 1.[16] Semerzier officially lost via TKO in the third round, but replays showed that a collision of heads started the stoppage. The fight was later ruled a no contest by the California State Athletic Commission.[17]
A rematch with Peralta was expected to take place on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2.[18] However, Peralta was forced out of the bout with a toe injury and replaced by Daniel Pineda.[19] Pineda defeated Semezier via first round submission.
After losing to Pineda, Semerzier was released from the promotion.[20]
Post UFC
Semerzier made his return to the cage on August 18, 2012, at XFO 45, defeating Guillermo Serment by submission due to a d'arce choke sixty two seconds into the fight.[21]
He then went to on to face Gilbert Jimenez a few months later on November 17, 2012. He defeated Jimenez via submission in the second round.[22] He has not competed since this.
