Career
A professional competitor since 2007, Wessel formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championships and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights. Ultimate Fighting Championship
He made his UFC debut against Antoni Hardonk at UFC 92. He accepted the fight on a week notice after Hardonk"s original opponent dropped out due to injury.
UFC"s Dana White offered the fight to Wessel and he quickly accepted, signing a four-fight deal.
Wessel lost in the second round via TKO stoppage after tiring from only having a few days to train. The Ultimate Fighter
After losing to Hardonk in his UFC debut, Wessel took a spot on the Spike television reality show, The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.
He was the last pick for Team Rashad Evans. Wessel had his first fight on the show against Marcus Jones, losing via first round submission armbar.
Wessel was not given a chance to fight on the finale card.
After losing to Jones, Wessel was released from his contract. Post-UFC
Wessel"s first fight after his stint on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights, was against another Ultimate Fighter alumni, Dan Christison. Wessel lost the fight via submission kimura.
Wessel also faced Bellator"s veteran Scott Barrett and Strikeforce"s veteran Matt Kovacs, losing against Barrett and winning against Kovacs.
In the second half of 2012, Wessel signed with Bellator. Bellator Mobile Marketing Association
Wessel made his debut on August 24, 2012 at Bellator 73 against fellow newcomer Ryan Martinez.
Wessel next entered the Bellator season seven heavyweight tournament, facing Rich Hale on October 5, 2012 at Bellator 75 for a spot in the semifinals. Hale defeated Wessel via TKO in the first round.
Wessel faced Alexei Kudin on December 7, 2012 at Bellator 83.
Wessel then faced Justin Frazier at Bellator 120 on May 17, 2014. He defeated Frazier via first round TKO. Wessel faced Josh Diekmann at Bellator 123 on September 5, 2014. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
