Anton Zafir is an Australian professional mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
He is known for his nickname “The Professor” and his background as a high school teacher alongside his fighting career.
You can follow Anton Zafir’s biography, career details, net worth, earnings, fight records, stats, achievements, and more here.
Anton Zafir’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Anton Zafir |
| Nickname | “The Professor” |
| Birth Date | May 10, 1987 |
| Height | 5’11” (180.34 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77.11 kg) |
| Birthplace | Cairns, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Turned Professional | 2012 |
| Current Net Worth | $50k |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Lara |
| Children | One son (Rafael) |
| @antonzafirmma |
Anton Zafir was born on May 10, 1987, in Cairns, Australia. He later moved to the Whitsunday region in Queensland, where he established himself as both a professional fighter and a high school teacher.
Professional Career
Zafir began his professional MMA career in 2012, with his first recorded professional fight taking place on June 1, 2012, against Jake Taylor at a Manowar MMA event. He won this debut fight by TKO in the first round.
Zafir’s early success led to him capturing the NMMA Welterweight Championship in 2015 with a TKO victory over Ryan Heketa.
Zafir made his UFC debut at UFC 193 in November 2015, facing James Moontasri. Unfortunately, Zafir lost this fight by TKO in the first round.
He had one more opportunity in the UFC, facing Li Jingliang at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale in July 2016, but again suffered a first-round TKO loss.
After his UFC stint, Zafir returned to competing in Australian promotions. His final professional fight took place at Australian FC 22 on April 7, 2018, where he lost to Theo Christakos by submission.
Wife
Anton Zafir is married to Lara, who is a local veterinary nurse and model. The couple has recently welcomed their first child, a son named Rafael.
They reside in the Whitsunday region of Queensland, Australia, where Anton is also a well-known figure in the community, balancing his career as a professional MMA fighter with his role as a high school teacher.
Anton Zafir’s Net Worth Details
Anton Zafir’s net worth is estimated to be $50k as of 2025. His earnings are a sum of his UFC fight purses, promotions, salary as a teacher, and other sources.
Fight Records
| Result | Opponent | Event | Method | Round | Time | Date |
| Loss | Theo Christakos | AFC 22 | Submission (D’arce Choke) | 1 | 4:15 | Apr 7, 2018 |
| Win | Hoshi Friedrich | AFC 20 | KO/TKO | 1 | 3:31 | Jul 28, 2017 |
| Loss | Li Jingliang | TUF 23 Finale | KO/TKO | 1 | 2:46 | Jul 8, 2016 |
| Loss | James Moontasri | UFC 193 | KO/TKO | 1 | 4:36 | Nov 14, 2015 |
| Win | Ryan Heketa | Nitro MMA 13 | TKO | 1 | 4:12 | Mar 21, 2015 |
| Win | Corey Nelson | Nitro MMA 11 | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Mar 8, 2014 |
| Win | Tristan Murphy | Airlie Fight Night 2 | TKO | 2 | – | Nov 30, 2013 |
| Win | Shane Gregory | CITC 1 | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 0:49 | Sep 7, 2013 |
| Win | Rod Staader | UCU 1 | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 2:24 | Aug 10, 2013 |
| Loss | Alexander Volkanovski | Roshambo MMA 1 | TKO | 4 | 2:19 | Apr 6, 2013 |
| Win | Paul Cavacus | Warriors Realm 15 | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 1:48 | Aug 18, 2012 |
| Win | Jake Taylor | Manowar MMA | TKO | 1 | 2:18 | Jun 1, 2012 |
Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| Total Fights | 12 |
| Wins | 8 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 4 |
| Wins by Submission | 3 |
| Wins by Decision | 1 |
| Finish Rate | 88% |
Achievements
- Competed in the UFC welterweight division
- Achieved a high finish rate of 88% in his victories
FAQs
1. Who is Anton Zafir?
Anton Zafir is an Australian professional mixed martial artist known for competing in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is also recognized by his nickname “The Professor” and has worked as a high school teacher alongside his fighting career.
2. What is Anton Zafir’s MMA record?
Anton Zafir has a professional MMA record of 8 wins and 4 losses. His victories include 4 by knockout, 3 by submission, and 1 by decision, giving him an 88% finish rate in his wins.
3. When and where was Anton Zafir born?
Anton Zafir was born on May 10, 1987, in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. He later moved to the Whitsunday region in Queensland, where he became a well-known figure in both education and sports.
4. What are some highlights of Anton Zafir’s MMA career?
Zafir began his professional MMA career in 2012, won the NMMA Welterweight Championship in 2015, and made his UFC debut at UFC 193 in November 2015. He fought twice in the UFC and later continued competing in Australian promotions.
5. What is Anton Zafir’s educational and professional background outside MMA?
Outside of MMA, Anton Zafir works as a high school teacher at Proserpine State High School. He is known for balancing his teaching responsibilities with his training and fighting schedule.
6. Who is Anton Zafir married to, and does he have children?
Anton Zafir is married to Lara, who is a veterinary nurse and model. The couple has a son named Rafael and resides in the Whitsunday region of Queensland, Australia.
7. What is Anton Zafir’s net worth?
Anton Zafir’s estimated net worth is $50,000. His income comes from his MMA career, teaching salary, and other sources.
8. What is Anton Zafir’s fighting style and training background?
Zafir is skilled in both striking and grappling, with a high finish rate in his fights. He trains at Whitsunday Martial Arts in Airlie Beach and has worked with various coaches in Queensland.
9. When was Anton Zafir’s last professional fight?
Anton Zafir’s last professional fight took place on April 7, 2018, at Australian FC 22, where he lost to Theo Christakos by submission in the first round.
10. What are Anton Zafir’s physical stats?
Anton Zafir stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and competes at 170 pounds in the welterweight division. He has a reach of 72 inches and is known for his athleticism and versatility in the cage.
