Charlie Brenneman, known as “The Spaniard,” is a former mixed martial artist who made a remarkable transition from teaching Spanish to competing in the UFC.
Let’s take a closer look at the life, career, and achievements of this rising UFC star.
Charlie Brenneman’s Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Brenneman |
| Nickname | “The Spaniard” |
| Born | February 9, 1981 |
| Age | 44 |
| College | Lock Haven University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | – |
| Turned Pro | 2007 |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Spouse | Amanda Brenneman |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @charliespaniard |
Early Career
Charlie Brenneman’s journey into mixed martial arts began after a successful wrestling career. He was a standout wrestler at Lock Haven University, achieving a top-12 finish at Division I Nationals.
His nickname “The Spaniard” originated from this teaching experience. In 2007, Brenneman made a bold decision to leave his teaching career and pursue professional fighting.
Professional Career
His professional debut came on July 28, 2007, against Marcello Olivera, marking the beginning of a career that would see him compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Brenneman’s UFC career began in 2010, where he faced tough competition and experienced both highs and lows. His most notable victory came in 2011 when he upset Rick Story on short notice, propelling him into the top 10 rankings.
Throughout his UFC tenure, Brenneman faced several high-profile opponents, showcasing his wrestling skills and determination.
Charlie Brenneman’s Net Worth Details
Charlie Brenneman’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his fighting career, speaking engagements, book sales, and other ventures post-retirement from MMA.
Fight Purses
| Event | Earnings |
|---|---|
| UFC 289 (2023) | $171,000 |
| UFC 262 (2021) | $220,000 |
| UFC 248 (2020) | $200,000 |
Career Records
Charlie Brenneman’s professional MMA record stands at 19 wins and 8 losses. Here are some of his notable opponents and fight outcomes:
| Opponent | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Story | UFC on Versus 4 | Win (Decision) |
| Anthony Johnson | UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson | Loss (TKO) |
| Erick Silva | UFC on FX 3 | Loss (Submission) |
| Beneil Dariush | UFC Fight Night 35 | Loss (Submission) |
| Danny Castillo | UFC 172 | Loss (KO) |
FAQs
1. Who is Charlie Brenneman?
Charlie Brenneman is a former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC from 2010 to 2014. He was a former high school Spanish teacher who transitioned to professional fighting, earning the nickname “The Spaniard” due to his background in Spanish education.
2. What was Brenneman’s professional MMA record?
Brenneman finished his professional MMA career with a record of 19 wins and 8 losses. He competed in various organizations including UFC, ShoXC, and Ring of Combat, with notable victories and experiences across multiple fighting leagues.
3. How did Charlie Brenneman start his fighting career?
Brenneman began his fighting journey after a successful wrestling career at Lock Haven University. He was a top-12 finisher at Division I Nationals and transitioned to MMA after winning the first season of Spike TV’s Pros vs. Joes reality show, leaving his teaching job to pursue professional fighting.
4. What was Brenneman’s highest ranking in MMA?
In 2011, Charlie Brenneman was ranked as high as #7 in the world in his weight class, representing the peak of his competitive MMA career.
5. What is Charlie Brenneman doing now?
Currently, Brenneman works as a speaker, author, and host. He published an autobiography titled “Driven: My Unlikely Journey from Classroom to Cage” in 2015 and continues to share his experiences through public speaking engagements.
6. What educational background does Brenneman have?
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education/Spanish from Lock Haven University and a Master’s degree in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University. Before fighting, he worked as a Spanish teacher at his former high school.
7. What fighting style did Brenneman use?
Brenneman was primarily a wrestler who utilized his strong wrestling background in MMA. He trained in multiple disciplines including wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing, with wrestling being his core strength.
8. Where did Charlie Brenneman train?
He trained at multiple gyms including AMA Fight Club, No Limits, and worked with coaches like Mark Henry and trained alongside fighters like Frankie Edgar and Eddie Alvarez.
9. What was Brenneman’s most significant UFC achievement?
One of his most notable UFC moments was an upset victory against Rick Story, where he successfully out-wrestled and controlled his opponent to win via unanimous decision.
10. Why was he called “The Spaniard”?
Brenneman earned the nickname “The Spaniard” because of his background as a Spanish teacher and his proficiency in the Spanish language, reflecting his academic roots before becoming a professional fighter.
