Anthony Lapsley


Anthony Lapsley is an American professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2006, Lapsley has also formerly competed for King of the Cage, Bellator, ShoXC, HDNet Fights, and is the former King of the Cage Welterweight Champion.

Background

Lapsley was born in Boston, Massachusetts, where he lived until he was 11 years old, when he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Athletic, Lapsley played various sports, including basketball, and after his freshman season, when his playing high school football ended, his coach encouraged him to try wrestling. Lapsley began the sport and excelled, earning a state championship, but did not continue his career as he did not have the academic requirements to get a scholarship.

Mixed martial arts career

Lapsley made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2006. He quickly amassed an undefeated record of 7–0 before his first loss to Carlo Prater.
Lapsley has fought for various promotions, including ShoXC, HDNet Fights, and King of the Cage, where he was the Welterweight Champion.

Bellator Fighting Championships

Lapsley made his Bellator debut in 2009 at Bellator 7, where he defeated Ryan Williams via submission.
In January 2011, Bellator announced that Lapsley would replace Steve Carl in the Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament. He faced former UFC and Strikeforce veteran, Jay Hieron in the quarterfinals. Lapsley lost via controversial stoppage when referee Josh Rosenthal stopped the bout, incorrectly believing that Lapsley was unconscious from a submission.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

It was announced in October 2013 that Lapsley had signed with the UFC. He debuted against Jason High on November 16, 2013, at UFC 167. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
In his second fight for the promotion, Lapsley faced Albert Tumenov at UFC Fight Night 40 on May 10, 2014. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round and was released from the promotion.

Return from Retirement

After 8 years away from the cage, Lapsley returned on October 15, 2022, against Collin Huckbody at Art of Scrap 5, losing the bout via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Personal life

Lapsley has eight children.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

  • King of the Cage
  • *KOTC Welterweight Championship

    Mixed martial arts record