Eddie Wineland is an American retired mixed martial artist who competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was the inaugural WEC Bantamweight Champion and had a professional MMA career spanning from 2003 to 2022.
You can follow Eddie Wineland’s biography, personal details, career details, wife, net worth, fight purses, career records, achievements, and more here.
Eddie Wineland’s Biography
Detail | Information |
Full Name | Eddie Wineland |
Birth Date | June 26, 1984 |
Height | 5’8″ (172.72 cm) |
Weight | 135 lbs (61.23 kg) |
Birthplace | Chesterton, Indiana, USA |
Nationality | American |
College | Attended for 1.5 years |
Turned Professional | 2003 |
Current Net Worth | $2 million |
Relationship Status | Married |
Wife | Amber Wineland |
Instagram Profile | @eddiewineland |
Eddie Wineland was born on June 26, 1984, in Chesterton, Indiana, United States. He grew up with one younger brother, who became an inspiration for his career as both a fighter and a firefighter.
Wineland attended Chesterton High School in Porter County, Indiana, where he actively participated in wrestling. He graduated at the age of 17 and began his MMA training shortly after with a friend at Duneland Vale Tudo.
Professional Career
Eddie Wineland began his journey in 2003. Wineland achieved a major milestone by becoming the inaugural WEC Bantamweight Champion on May 5, 2006, defeating Antonio Banuelos.
After the WEC merged with the UFC in 2010. He faced top-tier competition and had several standout performances, including notable victories over fighters like Takeya Mizugaki, Frankie Saenz, and Grigorii Popov.
Wineland even fought for the UFC Interim Bantamweight Championship against Renan Barao in September 2013, though he lost the bout.
He earned performance bonuses in both WEC and UFC, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his TKO win over Frankie Saenz in 2016.
After a career that saw him compete in 41 professional fights, Eddie Wineland announced his retirement from MMA on June 19, 2022, following his final bout against Cody Stamann.
Wife
Eddie Wineland is married to Amber Wineland. The couple has 2 children together.
Eddie Wineland’s Net Worth Details
Eddie Wineland’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
Event | Opponent | Result | Purse |
UFC on FOX 20 | Frankie Saenz | Win | $50,000 (Performance of the Night bonus) |
UFC 250 | Sean O’Malley | Loss | $46,000 |
Career Records
Statistic | Record |
---|---|
Total Fights | 41 |
Wins | 24 |
Losses | 16 |
Draws | 1 |
Wins by KO/TKO | 14 |
Wins by Submission | 5 |
Wins by Decision | 4 |
Achievements
- Inaugural WEC Bantamweight Champion
- Two-time WEC Knockout of the Night award winner
- Competed in both WEC and UFC
- Fought for the UFC Interim Bantamweight Championship
FAQs
1. Who is Eddie Wineland?
Eddie Wineland is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed in the Bantamweight division of the UFC. He was the first-ever WEC Bantamweight Champion and had a professional MMA career spanning from 2003 to 2022, with a record of 24 wins, 16 losses, and one draw.
2. What are Eddie Wineland’s career highlights?
Wineland’s career highlights include becoming the inaugural WEC Bantamweight Champion in 2006 by defeating Antonio Banuelos via first-round TKO. He also earned multiple “Knockout of the Night” awards and competed for the UFC Interim Bantamweight Championship in 2013.
3. When did Eddie Wineland retire from MMA?
Eddie Wineland announced his retirement on June 19, 2022, after his fight against Cody Stamann at UFC Fight Night. He expressed gratitude to fans and the UFC, stating it was time to step away from the sport.
4. What is Eddie Wineland’s fighting style?
Known for his striking abilities, Eddie Wineland had an aggressive stand-up style. He secured 14 of his 24 wins by knockout and was recognized for his ability to mix technical precision with a brawler’s spirit.
5. What is Eddie Wineland’s personal background?
Born on June 26, 1984, in Texas, Eddie grew up in Indiana and started training in MMA after high school. He is married with two children and works as a firefighter in La Porte, Indiana, alongside his MMA career.
6. What inspired Eddie Wineland to pursue MMA?
Wineland transitioned to MMA after high school due to his wrestling background and love for competition. His younger brother, who survived a severe childhood accident, has been a significant inspiration for both his fighting career and work as a firefighter.
7. What titles has Eddie Wineland won?
Eddie Wineland was the first WEC Bantamweight Champion and also held the Total Fight Challenge Bantamweight Championship. Additionally, he earned several performance bonuses during his WEC and UFC careers.
8. What is Eddie Wineland’s role outside MMA?
Outside of fighting, Eddie Wineland serves as a full-time firefighter in La Porte, Indiana. This dual career showcases his dedication to both public service and professional sports.
9. How did Eddie Wineland perform in the UFC?
After transitioning from WEC to UFC in 2010, Wineland faced top-tier opponents like Urijah Faber and Renan Barão. While he had mixed results in the UFC, he remained a fan favorite due to his exciting fighting style.
10. What is Eddie Wineland’s legacy in MMA?
Eddie Wineland’s legacy lies in being a pioneer of the Bantamweight division, becoming its first champion under WEC, and consistently delivering entertaining fights. His dedication to balancing MMA with firefighting further cements him as an inspiring figure in combat sports history.