Matthew “Semi the Jedi” Semelsberger has experienced the highest highs and challenging lows of professional mixed martial arts.
Known for his explosive power and quick finishes in the UFC welterweight division, Semelsberger became a fan favorite for his highlight-reel knockouts. However, recent career shifts in 2025 have fans and analysts re-evaluating his journey.
In this article, you will know Matthew Semelsberger’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Matthew Semelsberger’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Semelsberger |
| Nickname | Semi the Jedi |
| Date of Birth | November 23, 1992 |
| Age | 33 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (Welterweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$500,000+ (Estimated) |
| Wife | Private / Not Publicly Listed |
| Instagram Profile | @semi_the_jedi |
| Twitter Profile | @SemiTheJedi |
Early Career
Matthew Semelsberger was born and raised in Maryland, where his passion for combat sports ignited early. He began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 14, inspired by legends like Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin.
Before fully committing to fighting, he was a standout athlete in other arenas, notably playing Division I college football as a safety for Marist College. His athletic background provided him with the explosive power and discipline that would later define his fighting style.
After college, Semelsberger focused entirely on MMA, cutting his teeth in the regional circuits of the East Coast. He competed in promotions like Cagezilla and Triton Fights (formerly KTFO), where he captured light heavyweight titles.
His amateur and early professional career was marked by a willingness to take tough fights and a knack for finishing opponents, earning him a reputation as a dangerous striker. This regional success eventually caught the attention of the UFC in 2020.
Professional Career
Semelsberger made his UFC debut in August 2020, winning a unanimous decision against Carlton Minus. He quickly made headlines in March 2021 with a spectacular 16-second knockout of Jason Witt, earning a “Performance of the Night” bonus.
This victory showcased his devastating one-punch power and put the division on notice. He followed this up with another highlight-reel finish against Martin Sano later that year, needing only 15 seconds to secure the KO.
However, consistency became a hurdle as he faced stiffer competition. While he secured notable wins against fighters like A.J. Fletcher and Jake Matthews, he also suffered tough losses to veterans like Khaos Williams and Kevin Holland.
After a difficult stretch from 2023 to 2024, where he lost four consecutive fights, including a knockout loss to Charles Radtke in November 2024, Semelsberger was released from the UFC in early 2025.
Despite this setback, he remains a free agent with potential to rebuild his career in promotions like PFL or Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
Matthew Semelsberger’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Matthew Semelsberger has an estimated net worth of approximately $500,000. This wealth was primarily accumulated during his four-year tenure in the UFC through fight purses and performance bonuses.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Purse | Bonus | Total Payout (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 291 | Uros Medic | Loss | $49,000 | $6,000 (Venum) | $55,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 216 | Jake Matthews | Win | $44,000 | $44,000 (Win) | ~$94,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 222 | Jeremiah Wells | Loss | $48,000 | $6,000 (Venum) | $54,000 |
| UFC Vegas 21 | Jason Witt | Win | $12,000 | $50,000 (POTN) | ~$74,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Fight Purses & Bonuses) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ~$50,000 |
| 2023 | ~$110,000 |
| 2022 | ~$150,000 |
| 2021 | ~$120,000 |
| 2020 | ~$30,000 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Professional Record | 11–8–0 |
| Wins by Knockout | 6 |
| Wins by Submission | 1 |
| Wins by Decision | 4 |
| First Round Finishes | 3 |
| UFC Record | 5–7 |
FAQs
1. Is Matthew Semelsberger still in the UFC?
No, Matthew Semelsberger was released from the UFC in early 2025 following a four-fight losing streak. He is currently a free agent.
2. What is Matthew Semelsberger’s fastest knockout?
His fastest knockout was a 15-second finish against Martin Sano at UFC 266 in September 2021. He also has a 16-second knockout win over Jason Witt.
3. Did Matthew Semelsberger play football?
Yes, before becoming a professional fighter, he played Division I college football as a defensive back (safety) for Marist College.
4. What is Matthew Semelsberger’s nickname?
His nickname is “Semi the Jedi,” a play on his last name and a reference to the Star Wars franchise.
5. How much is Matthew Semelsberger worth?
His estimated net worth in 2025 is around $500,000. This is largely based on his earnings from his 12-fight run in the UFC.
