Chris and Brian Camozzi
Chris Camozzi
Age: 34 | Middleweight | Record: 24-14, 9-10 UFC
Chris Camozzi is a name that is recognizable for most UFC fans. A tough out for just about anyone in the world on any given night, he is highly respected in the fight game. Prior to competing in MMA, Camozzi had an ordinary background by North American standards. He played rugby in high school and later at Fort Lewis College, but eventually dropped out of college due to lack of interest. After dropping out, his interest for the sport of mixed martial arts began to blossom after attending Muay Thai and jiujitsu classes. What began as a hobby turned into an obsession that would eventually turn into his livelihood.
In 2006, Camozzi began his journey into MMA when he fought Damon Clark in his MMA debut at Kickdown Classic 27. Over the course of the following 18 months, Camozzi would string together seven-straight victories. By the summer of 2009, Camozzi had compiled a record of 12-3 which earned him a spot on the eleventh season of The Ultimate Fighter. This was Camozzi’s second attempt to join the show after he was originally picked as an alternate for season seven. To enter the house, Camozzi squared off against Victor O’Donnell. Despite winning the fight, he would suffer a broken jaw and be forced out of the competition. He earned respect from the UFC and fans alike on the show due to his eagerness to fight despite his injury.
In the season finale of the show, Camozzi returned to earn his first of many UFC victories. Despite going 2-1 in the promotion, Camozzi was released from the promotion. Once again with his back against the wall, he fought to return to the promotion. Between 2011 and 2017, Camozzi fought 16 more times with the promotion across two more stints. He is one of the few fighters to have had three or more stints with the promotion. Like when he broke his jaw, Camozzi earned a ton of respect from fans when he accepted a short notice fight against one of the most feared middleweights at the time in Ronaldo Souza. Camozzi is still competing at a high level and will be competing in the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament. At 34-years-old, it is still entirely possible we see Camozzi inside the octagon again.
Brian Camozzi
Age: 29 | Welterweight | Record: 7-5, 0-3 UFC
Brian Camozzi’s journey into the sport is very similar to most younger siblings. His older brother was already competing in the UFC with over 20 pro fights when he made his debut. His interest in training led his older brother to pay for his gym fees for him to train.
In his first two professional bouts he earned two first round finishes. After those victories, the tables turned. He lost his next two fights via decision against higher level opposition. At 2-2 it appeared as if Brian may not see the success of his older brother in the sport. His fortunate began to turn in late 2014 when he rebounded emphatically with an early knockout of Brian Maronek. Over the course of the next two years, he would win four more bouts bringing his record to 7-2. The last bout took place in the RFA which was a feeder promotion to get into the UFC. The win was over highly touted Nick Barnes who he subbed in the first round. In fact, six of his seven victories to that point had come by finish inside the first five minutes.
When he signed with the UFC, Chris was also with the promotion making them one of the few siblings to be on the roster at the same time. In his UFC debut, he was matched up against Randy Brown who remains on the UFC roster today. He would go on to be finished for the first time in his MMA career in the bout. He competed just two more times in the promotion in 2017 and 2018 losing both bouts via stoppage. The latter of which was to currently ranked welterweight Geoff Neal. That would go on to be the last time Brian Camozzi competed in the sport.
Summary
As mentioned before, it is very difficult for an athlete to reach the UFC. To see two brothers reach the highest level is even more rare. Brian is five years younger so does have time to make a return if he desires, but at this point it seems unlikely. Brian’s career was much shorter and fell short in his first UFC run. Camozzi also fell short in his first run and continued to compete in the sport which earned him more opportunities. All in all Chris Camozzi found more success in the sport thus far primarily due to longevity in the sport.
