Rodney Wallace (born November 21, 1981) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Heavyweight division. A professional competitor from 2008 to 2017, he has competed for the UFC, Bellator, the MFC, M-1 Global, KSW, and Absolute Championship Berkut.

Background

Wallace was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, moved to Passaic, New Jersey when he was one year old, then returned to his birthplace at the age of 13 when he began playing football and wrestling. At Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School in Bamberg, South Carolina, Wallace competed in both sports as well as track and field. He reached the state tournament in wrestling when he was freshman, then won the South Carolina state championship in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He continued his football career with a scholarship to NCAA Division II Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina where he was an All-Conference running back from 2001 to 2004 and finished his career as the school's all-time leading rusher.

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Wallace lost his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale by unanimous decision to former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion Brian Stann. Wallace next fought Jared Hamman on March 27, 2010, at UFC 111. Wallace lost this fight by way of a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). This fight was very fast-paced and there were several situations in which both men were rocked. The fight was selected as Fight of the Night, earning both fighters $65,000. Wallace was scheduled to face Stanislav Nedkov on August 7, 2010, at UFC 117. However, Nedkov was forced from the card with an injury and was replaced by Phil Davis. Wallace lost the fight via unanimous decision. Following the loss to Davis, Wallace was released from the promotion.

Independent promotions

After his release from the UFC, Wallace went on to face and defeat David Heath at MFC 27 via unanimous decision. He lost his second fight for the promotion against Emanuel Newton at MFC 28 via submission. Wallace next faced Cale Yarbrough on April 15, 2011, at Scrap Live: Fight Night 7. Rodney Wallace next fought Derrick Mehmen at WMMA 1: Fighting for a Better World on March 31, 2012. Wallace won this fight via unanimous decision. Wallace next competed against Polish fighter Mamed Khalidov on May 12, 2012, at KSW XIX. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. Rodney Wallace next fought former WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Filho to a draw at Selva MMA on August 4, 2013, in Brazil.

Bellator MMA

Wallace made his debut for Bellator MMA on April 11, 2014, at Bellator 116. He faced Carlos Eduardo and won the fight via unanimous decision. Wallace faced Kelly Anundson on June 6, 2014, at Bellator 121. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. In August 2014, Wallace was released from Bellator, along with twelve other fighters.

Absolute Championship Berkut

Wallace faced Shamil Gamzatov on January 13, 2017, at ACB 51. He lost the fight by split decision.

Bare knuckle boxing career

He challenged Croatian Marko Martinjak for his UBBADA world cruiserweight title at BKB 5 event in Coventry on April 22, 2017, losing the fight via first round TKO due to a cut above the eye.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record