Brilz won the Nebraska Class A wrestling state championship in 1993 for Omaha Central High School. Along with his state title, Brilz was an Academic All-American in 1993. Brilz wrestled collegiately at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he was a three time Academic All-American, a four-year letter winner, and compiled a 63–34 career record.[1]
Mixed martial arts career
Brilz made his MMA debut in 2000. He went on to achieve an 11-win streak and has entered into various talks with the UFC throughout the years with the aim of joining the organization. Brilz finally secured his debut deal to fight in his native Omaha, Nebraska, at the UFC Fight Night 15 event.[2]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Brilz defeated Brad Morris in his UFC debut via TKO (punches) midway through the second round.
Brilz then returned six months later to fight Tim Boetsch and won via unanimous decision at UFC 96.
Brilz' first loss in the UFC (and second in his career) came at the hands of The Ultimate Fighter 8 veteran Eliot Marshall, as Brilz lost via split decision, which was regarded as a controversial decision.
At UFC 114, Antônio Rogério Nogueira was scheduled to fight Forrest Griffin. However, Griffin had to pull out of the bout due to a shoulder injury, which left his slot open. With less than a month before the fight, Brilz stepped in to fight Nogueira. In a controversial split decision in which Brilz seemed to control the duration of the fight, Nogueira was declared the winner.[3] The bout won Fight of the Night honors.
Brilz faced Ryan Bader on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139.[9] In the opening round, Bader caught Brilz with a straight right above the ear that knocked him out. Subsequently, Brilz was released from the promotion.[10]
Titan Fighting Championships
On November 16, 2012, Brilz then won against Will Dicke by KO 19 seconds into the second round. Brilz was expected to face Vinny Magalhaes at Titan FC 28 on April 25, 2014, however, Magalhaes was forced out of the bout due to injury, and was replaced by Raphael Davis.[11] Brilz won the fight via split decision.
The fight with Magalhaes was re-booked and set to take place on September 26, 2014 at Titan FC 30, for the vacant Titan FC Light Heavyweight Championship.[12] Brilz lost via guillotine choke submission in the fourth round.
Personal life
Brilz was an assistant coach at back to back Division II National Wrestling champs, the University of Nebraska-Omaha prior to cancellation of the University's wrestling program. Along with wrestling at UNO, Brilz also trains at Omaha's new Premier Combat Center with fellow UFC fighters Ryan Jensen and Jake Ellenberger.[13]
Despite this relative success in his career, he has stated he is not interested in pursuing fighting full-time.[14]
Brilz and his wife Rebecca have two daughters, Evelyn and Gabbi.[15]
