True dominance in MMA typically occurs later in a fighter’s career, where they have a holistic grasp of their abilities and how to use them. Maturity coupled with momentum equates to this dominance. On the regional scene, everyone goes through growing pains. It is impossible not to, even if they do not result in losses. Many of the rising stars we have examined have losses on their records, which is not to disparage them; it is a natural part of the process. This week’s fighter, however, has reached a level of mastery rarely seen at his stage. Not only does he have a spotless record, but he also never appears vulnerable. To paraphrase Seibert after his most recent performance, “I have never lost a round”. He has won titles in two promotions, having just won the CFFC bantamweight strap earlier this month. The 26-year-old Seibert has tallied a perfect 7-0 professional record, making his professional debut in September of 2023. With a reach of 73 inches and a wrestling background from West Virginia University, he has an embarrassment of riches as far as positive advantages. He can win wherever the fight leads, looking at his guillotine finish at CFFC 153 should tell you all you need to know. Wrestling in MMA is similar yet different, and Seibert has looked incredibly malleable in how he has adapted it into cage fighting. His striking is sophisticated and intelligent, while his wrestling allows him to use an ace whenever he needs it. He is easily one of the best Pittsburgh prospects.
Seibert, having a grappling background from a school like West Virginia, understandably wants to play to his strengths and control the fight. His puzzling strikes allow him to do that, simply setting up openings to level change. Versus Gustavo Kruger (his third most recent bout) and against Sebastian Ruiz for the CFFC bantamweight crown, Seibert fought similarly. He emphasizes fluid stance switches intentionally, and when he pairs it with excellent lateral movement, he can attack from anywhere. In doing so, Seibert creates ANGLES, which at least one commentator picked up on. Quick and agile, Seibert is always pawing with his lead hand, while guarding his head up high with the other. His hands, when not striking, are often around chest height, meaning he does not telegraph as much as another fighter might. The angles he creates via stances and footwork enable him to be dangerous everywhere and confuse his opponent’s game plan. Whenever Seibert or his opponent is striking, Seibert is in takedown range, and that is usually all he needs.
Versus Kruger, as Kruger showed signs of advancing to throw offense, Seibert immediately recorded a takedown, pulling his opponent off the cage into half guard. Against Ruiz, he advanced with a right jab to a left hook combination, putting him in prime position for a double leg takedown. Seibert ended up hip tossing Ruiz to the mat, once more ending up on top. Seibert is incredibly smothering once he has any sort of grip at all. Dagestani handcuffs, hooking the legs, complete control while in top half guard, he does it all. A spectacular example of this was during the Ruiz fight, a man who was riding a sizable win streak himself. Seibert once more showed his proficiency in the top half guard, peppering his opponent with ground and pound.
Even beforehand, he was suffocating, handcuffing Ruiz’s right arm with his own right, and setting up a choke with his left. Ruiz was essentially drowning, even having his right arm pinned beneath his body at one juncture during the bout. As Ruiz attempted to build back up to his feet, Seibert immediately snatched a guillotine grip. You would have to watch the event to observe how impressive this was, because Seibert was not in a conventional position when attempting the finish, yet he was rewarded with it all the same.
As detailed as I try to be while writing these pieces, I believe Seibert is due even more credit than what I can provide. He has the physical attributes of reach in the stand-up, and the toolbox of a credentialed grappler (also having won all three of his professional grappling bouts). The incessant stance switches, knowledge of the “void,” and detailed orientation to the game plan complement an already talented athlete. As referenced, there is very little to harp on when it comes to Seibert. Kind of like Chael Sonnen says, “undefeated, undisputed, never lost a round”. Only in this case (sorry, Uncle Chael) it is literally. With two regional championship belts sitting in his trophy case and a spotless legacy thus far, what more does the UFC need to see? Staying trapped in MMA’s prospect scene would be a waste for Seibert at this critical moment. Dana White’s Contender Series is known for amassing the best future fighters in the business, and they have a chance to add a gem to the gauntlet with the pride of Pittsburgh.
