History of Ryan Spann in Timeline

Ryan Spann is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC. Spann turned professional in 2013 and has fought for Legacy Fighting Alliance, where he was the Light Heavyweight Champion. He is known for his performances in the UFC and his prior championship title.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 24, 1991: Ryan Spann's Birth

Ryan Spann was born on August 24, 1991.

Others born on this day/year

2013: Began professional MMA career

In 2013, Ryan Spann started his professional career as a mixed martial artist.

July 25, 2017: Loss at Dana White's Contender Series 3

On July 25, 2017, Ryan Spann participated in Dana White's Contender Series 3 against Karl Roberson, losing by knockout in the first round due to elbows.

June 19, 2018: Won UFC Contract

On June 19, 2018, Ryan Spann won against Emiliano Sordi via guillotine choke in the first round at Dana White's Contender Series 10 and was awarded a UFC contract.

September 22, 2018: UFC Debut

On September 22, 2018, Ryan Spann made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders, replacing Mark Godbeer and winning against Luis Henrique via unanimous decision.

May 2019: Victory at UFC 237

In May 2019, Ryan Spann fought at UFC 237 against Antônio Rogério Nogueira and won via knockout in the first round.

October 12, 2019: Victory at UFC Fight Night

On October 12, 2019, Ryan Spann won against Devin Clark via submission in round two at UFC Fight Night: Joanna vs. Waterson.

February 8, 2020: UFC 247 Fight Scrapped

On February 8, 2020, Ryan Spann was briefly linked to face Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 247, but the match was scrapped.

March 21, 2020: UFC Fight Night Cancellation

On March 21, 2020, Ryan Spann was scheduled to fight Paul Craig at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards, but the event was cancelled.

May 9, 2020: Victory at UFC 249

On May 9, 2020, Ryan Spann faced Sam Alvey at UFC 249, winning the fight via split decision despite being knocked down in the third round.

September 5, 2020: Fight Postponed Due to COVID-19

On September 5, 2020, Ryan Spann's fight against Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night 176 was initially scheduled but postponed because Walker tested positive for COVID-19.

September 19, 2020: Loss to Johnny Walker

On September 19, 2020, Ryan Spann faced Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night 178 and lost the fight via knockout, despite dropping Walker twice in the first round.

December 19, 2020: Fight Canceled Due to Injury

On December 19, 2020, Ryan Spann's scheduled fight against Misha Cirkunov at UFC Fight Night 183 was canceled due to Cirkunov's injury.

March 13, 2021: Victory and Performance of the Night Award

On March 13, 2021, Ryan Spann defeated Misha Cirkunov via technical knockout in round one at UFC Fight Night 187, earning the Performance of the Night award.

September 18, 2021: Loss to Anthony Smith

On September 18, 2021, Ryan Spann faced Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 192, losing the fight via rear-naked choke submission in round one.

February 26, 2022: Victory and Performance of the Night Bonus

On February 26, 2022, Ryan Spann was initially scheduled to face Ion Cuțelaba, but after being pulled from UFC Fight Night 202 due to injury, the bout was rescheduled for UFC on ESPN 36 where Spann won the fight via guillotine choke in the first round, earning his second Performance of the Night bonus award.

November 12, 2022: Victory at UFC 281

On November 12, 2022, Ryan Spann fought Dominick Reyes at UFC 281, winning via knockout in the first round after missing weight and being fined 20% of his purse.

February 25, 2023: Loss to Nikita Krylov

On February 25, 2023, Ryan Spann was scheduled to face Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night 220, however, due to Krylov falling ill to a food-borne illness, the event was canceled and the fight was rescheduled. Spann lost the fight via a triangle choke submission in the first round.

August 26, 2023: Loss in Rematch Against Anthony Smith

On August 26, 2023, Ryan Spann faced Anthony Smith in a rematch at UFC Fight Night 225, losing via split decision, although 9 out of 14 media outlets scored the bout for Spann.

April 27, 2024: Loss to Bogdan Guskov

On April 27, 2024, Ryan Spann faced Bogdan Guskov at UFC on ESPN 55 and lost the fight via technical knockout due to ground-and-pound punches.

September 7, 2024: Fight rescheduled due to illness

On September 7, 2024, Ryan Spann's scheduled fight against Ovince Saint Preux at UFC Fight Night 242 was rescheduled due to Saint Preux withdrawing from the fight because of an illness.

October 5, 2024: Victory and Performance of the Night Award

On October 5, 2024, Ryan Spann faced Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 307, winning the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the first round and earning another Performance of the Night award.