Raised in Celina, OH, Wessel’s athletic career began at Celina High School, where he was a standout defensive tackle on the football team.  After graduating, Wessel enrolled in the University of St Francis in Indiana, where he played nose tackle while obtaining a dual degree in special education and chemistry.

Wessel’s success on the football field led to a stint in the Arena Football League, before he accepted a job as the strength and conditioning coach for the University of Arkansas’ football team.  While working there, Wessel decided to take up mixed martial arts, and proved to be a quick study.  He reeled off six straight victories in a minor league mixed martial circuit before getting the call from the UFC® to fight Antonio Hardonk at UFC® 92 this past December.  Despite getting TKO’d in the 2nd round, Wessel is determined to learn from the experience and bounce back strongly as he spends six weeks in the desert trying to become “The Ultimate Fighter.”  Wessel currently trains in Little Rock, AR with “The Ultimate Fighter” alumnus Roli Delgado at West Side Kickboxing.