Dennis Siver

Dennis Siver is a Russian-born, German-raised mixed martial artist who built a 23-11 UFC record over more than a decade in the octagon. Born in Omsk in 1979, Siver emigrated to Germany as a teenager and quickly became a W.A.K.O Amateur Kickboxing Champion, blending his striking pedigree with grappling skills before entering MMA. His first UFC stint (2007-2008) was brief and difficult, compiling a 1-3 record that led to his release. However, a return engagement in 2009 proved far more fruitful: Siver earned back-to-back Knockout of the Night awards for spinning back-kick TKOs over Nate Mohr and Paul Kelly, establishing himself as a technical striker with an eye-catching arsenal.

Over the next several years, Siver became a reliable mid-tier featherweight and lightweight, accruing four Fight of the Night bonuses and demonstrating solid takedown defense while mixing sharp grappling with high-volume striking. He handed George Sotiropoulos his first UFC loss, submitted Andre Winner with a slick rear-naked choke, and earned multiple unanimous decisions against quality opposition. Though he suffered setbacks to top contenders like Donald Cerrone (submission loss in round one) and Cub Swanson (third-round TKO), Siver remained competitive and resilient.

Siver's career was marred in 2014 when his decision victory over Manny Gamburyan was overturned to a No Contest after he tested positive for hCG, resulting in an NSAC suspension. Despite the setback, he continued fighting and in June 2017 pulled off a notable upset, defeating returning legend BJ Penn by majority decision at UFC Fight Night 112. This late-career win highlighted Siver's technical maturity and staying power. He left the UFC in November 2017 and moved to the Absolute Championship Berkut, bringing to a close a career defined by solid technical skills, memorable finishes, and remarkable longevity in one of the sport's deepest divisions.