Raufeon Stots

Raufeon Stots is an American mixed martial artist and former collegiate wrestling champion, currently competing in the bantamweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in nearby Tomball, Stots has built a reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport, blending a two-time NCAA Division II wrestling title with slick grappling and sharp striking.

As of 2026, Stots holds the #3 ranking in the PFL's bantamweight division and continues to chase the undisputed title. He first gained national attention by winning the interim Bellator Bantamweight Championship in 2022, then transitioned to the PFL after Bellator's roster was absorbed. With a professional record of 21 wins and 4 losses, Stots is known for his relentless pace, finishing ability, and the support of his family and late mother, who remains a driving force in his career. [edit]

Growing up in Tomball, Texas, Stots was raised by his mother, Rose Wilkins, a teenage parent who worked in healthcare and eventually bought their home. He has two younger brothers. Stots first tried wrestling as a high school freshman after a coach offered bonus points on a quiz for trying out. That small incentive sparked a passion that carried him to the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where he became a two-time NCAA Division II national champion.

After college, Stots shifted focus to mixed martial arts, making his amateur debut in 2011 and turning pro in 2015. He fought on the regional circuit in the Midwest, honing his skills under the Roufusport banner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before earning a spot on the Bellator roster. His wrestling pedigree gave him a solid foundation, but it was his rapid development in striking and submissions that set him apart as he climbed the ranks. [edit]

Stots made his Bellator debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as a top bantamweight contender. His breakout came in April 2022, when he knocked out Juan Archuleta with a flying knee to capture the interim Bellator Bantamweight Championship. He defended that title once, outworking Danny Sabatello in a grind of a fight in December 2022, before losing the unification bout to Patchy Mix in April 2023.

When the PFL absorbed Bellator's roster in 2024, Stots moved to the new promotion and continued to compete at a high level. He has faced top contenders and remains a fixture in the division's rankings. As of April 2026, he is scheduled to fight R. Khavalov on July 31 at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York. Stots trains out of Roufusport in Milwaukee, where he continues to refine his craft alongside a team of elite fighters. [edit]

Stots is known for his calm, focused demeanor inside the cage and his gratitude toward his family and supporters outside it. Fans appreciate his wrestling-heavy style, which he pairs with increasingly sharp striking. His social media presence offers a mix of training footage, motivational messages, and glimpses of his life as a father. Media coverage often highlights his journey from a two-time NCAA champion to a top PFL contender, and his story resonates with those who admire perseverance and hard work. [edit]

Raufeon Stots commands a dedicated following that operates with quiet intensity rather than organized chaos. His supporters on Instagram and Facebook engage through personal updates, training clips, and glimpses of his life as a father and house flipper, yet the community lacks a formal tribe name or structured rituals like fan-funded billboards. While he maintains a solid presence within the MMA sphere, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). This absence from the Global Top 1,000 reflects a niche popularity centered on his status as a former Bellator Bantamweight Champion and current PFL contender rather than a pop-culture phenomenon requiring a dedicated fan tribe. The cultural mythology surrounding him is built on competitive achievements and a narrative of overcoming adversity, anchored by his NCAA Division II wrestling legacy and his upcoming high-stakes matchup against Renat Khavalov at PFL Chicago. His nickname "Supa" serves as a recognizable brand element across major fight databases, reinforcing his identity without needing external validation. Though he lacks a specific fandom moniker, his story resonates deeply with those who admire perseverance, particularly the tale of his late mother Rose Wilkins inspiring his journey from Acres Homes to championship glory.[edit]

Raufeon Stots' mother, Rose Wilkins, was a teen mom who earned an associate's degree while working in healthcare, a story he often shares as inspiration. He holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is of Nigerian descent, a heritage reflected in his son's name, Ikechukwu. A close bond with the Shoulders family supported his upbringing, and he enjoys sharing training clips and motivational posts on Instagram under @raufeonstots. Beyond the cage, Stots has cultivated a legend through his dual life as a house flipper and businessman, adding relatability to his fighter image. Fans frequently retell the emotional arc of his career, where the memory of his late mother played a pivotal role in preparing him for glory. His victory to become the Bellator Bantamweight Champion stands as the defining moment that launched his prominence, establishing him as a top-tier fighter in the division. Before turning professional, he established a wrestling legend as an NCAA Division II champion, a fact often cited as the foundation of his technical prowess. As of early 2026, new narrative momentum builds around his scheduled fight against Renat Khavalov, framed as a chance for the veteran to hand the undefeated prospect his first loss.[edit]

Stots is married to Michaela Stots, and together they have two sons, Clarence and Ikechukwu. The family lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Stots trains at Roufusport. He frequently credits his late mother, Rose Wilkins, for shaping his work ethic and resilience. Rose worked as a healthcare professional and bought a home in Tomball, Texas, to give her sons a stable upbringing. Stots also maintains a close relationship with the Shoulders family, who provided support during his early years. [edit]

Stots trains at Roufusport in Milwaukee, alongside notable fighters such as Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren. He has faced top bantamweights including Juan Archuleta, Danny Sabatello, and Patchy Mix, and is a former teammate of UFC veteran Erik Koch. [edit]

Stots is married to Michaela Stots, and the couple has two sons, Clarence and Ikechukwu. Details about their wedding date are not public, but they have been together for several years. Michaela has been a constant presence at his fights, often sharing supportive posts on social media. As of 2026, the couple remains married and living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Raufeon Stots' net worth is estimated at $3 Million as of 2026. His income primarily comes from his fighting career, including fight purses, win bonuses, and performance bonuses from Bellator and the PFL. As a former champion, he earned higher payouts for title fights and main event slots. Beyond fighting, Stots has supplemented his earnings through sponsorship deals and appearances. He has not disclosed major investments or business ventures, but his consistent presence in top promotions suggests a steady financial trajectory. His net worth has grown steadily since his Bellator days, and with a scheduled fight in 2026, he continues to add to his earnings.[edit]

Stots has won the interim Bellator Bantamweight Championship and is a two-time NCAA Division II national wrestling champion. These are his most significant competitive achievements to date. [edit]