Dennis Siver

Dennis D. Siver (Russian: Дмитрий Сивер, tr. Dmitriy Siver, born January 13, 1979) is a retired Russian-born German mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Siver is currently teaching martial arts in his hometown, Mannheim.

Siver was born in Omsk, the Soviet Union to a family of Soviet citizens of German descent.

Siver began training in Sambo and Judo when he was 15 years old and, at 17, moved to Germany where he continued his training with Taekwondo and Kickboxing.

That same year, he became the W.A.K.O Amateur Kickboxing Champion of Germany.

Siver's mixed martial arts career began in small local shows in Russia and England, amongst other European countries.

He fought most frequently for Cage Warriors in England, compiling a 3–1 record.

After his win against Jim Wallhead at CWFC – Enter The Rough House, Siver was signed by UFC.

His debut was against Jess Liaudin at UFC 70 in Manchester, England where he lost via submission (armbar), just 81 seconds into the first round.

Siver was able to bounce back though at UFC 75, again in England.

He defeated Naoyuki Kotani via KO (punch) in the second round.

This was followed up by a loss to undefeated Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 12, via a unanimous decision.

Siver's final match of his first UFC stint was a loss to Melvin Guillard at UFC 86.

This fight marked the first knockout loss of Siver's career, which came after just 36 seconds into the first round.

Siver was released by the UFC soon after, having compiled a 1–3 record.

Siver had his first post-UFC fight at Tempel: Mix Fight Gala VII against Chas Jacquier.

Siver won the fight via submission (guillotine choke) at 4.21 of the first round

This win earned Siver a second shot in UFC.

He faced off against Nate Mohr at UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland.

In the third round, Siver was able to TKO his opponent via spinning back kick and punches.

This victory was also awarded the Knockout of the Night award.

His second fight was against Dale Hartt at UFC 99, which was the first UFC event held in Siver's home country of Germany.

Siver won the fight via submission (rear-naked choke) three minutes into the first round.

Siver then fought Paul Kelly at UFC 105 in Manchester, England and, in the same fashion as his victory over Mohr, was able to TKO his opponent via spinning back kick and punches.

Once again, the win earned Siver the Knockout of the Night.

Siver fought Ross Pearson on March 31, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 21.

Siver lost the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).

However, the fight won Siver a Fight of the Night bonus.

Siver faced Spencer Fisher on June 19, 2010, at The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale.

Siver won the fight via unanimous decision despite suffering a cut from an accidental headbutt in the first round.

Siver defeated Andre Winner via first round arm-trap rear-naked choke after dropping him with a counter punch at UFC 122, earning Submission of the Night honors.

Siver faced George Sotiropoulos on February 27, 2011, at UFC 127.

Siver won the bout via unanimous decision, handing Sotiropoulos his first loss in the UFC.

Siver showed excellent takedown defense throughout the fight and picked Sotiropoulos apart on the feet, dropping him twice in the first round.

Siver defeated Matt Wiman on July 2, 2011, at UFC 132 in a very close contest, with all three judges scoring the fight 29–28 in Siver's favor.

Siver stated at the post-fight press conference that while the decision was close, that he wouldn't go back and score the fight any differently.

Siver was expected to face Sam Stout on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137.

However, it was announced on August 29 that Stout had withdrawn from the bout and was replaced by Donald Cerrone.

Siver lost by submission in the first round.

Siver was briefly linked to a rematch with Ross Pearson on April 14, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva.