Samuel Travis Sicilia (born February 1, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the featherweight division for Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2007, Sicilia formerly competed for the UFC, and was on FX's The Ultimate Fighter: Live. Background Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Sicilia competed in wrestling at Mt. Spokane High School and now works as an assistant coach for the team. Mixed martial arts career Early career Sicilia began training in MMA in 2007, taking his first amateur fights late in the year and amassed a 4–1 record before turning professional shortly after. Following his first professional win he took a nearly four-year break from fighting. He then returned in 2011, and went 9–1 fighting for several regional promotions in the Northwestern United States. The Ultimate Fighter In February 2012, it was revealed that Sicilia was selected to be a participant on The Ultimate Fighter: Live. Sicilia defeated Dominick Cruz training partner, Erin Beach, via an eight-second KO to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member. Sicilia was selected as the second pick (third overall) by Dominick Cruz to take part on Team Cruz. In the first round of the tournament, Sicilia was selected to fight former Bellator Fighting Championships fighter, Chris Saunders. Sicilia lost the fight via split decision after two rounds. The decision was heavily disputed by many, including UFC president Dana White who claimed, "I think Sicilia got robbed of the opportunity of going to a third round, though. But great fight." Ultimate Fighting Championship Sicilia made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada, against TUF castmate, Cristiano Marcello. He won the fight via KO in the second round. After the win Sicilia expressed interest in returning to the featherweight division. Sicilia dropped to the featherweight division and faced Rony Jason on October 13, 2012, at UFC 153. Sicilia lost via second-round TKO due to punches. Sicilia next face Maximo Blanco on April 13, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Sicilia was expected to face Godofredo Pepey on September 4, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 28. However, Pepey pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Felipe Arantes. Subsequently, Sicilia also pulled out of the bout for undisclosed reasons and was replaced