Girtz was born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Girtz competed hockey until his sophomore year of high school, when he began competing in wrestling, having been persuaded by the school's head coach. However, Girtz did not find a wealth of success during his high school career, qualifying for the state tournament only once during his senior year and losing his first match. Girtz then attended Minnesota State University, where he continued wrestling as a walk-on. At Minnesota State, however, Girtz excelled, receiving NCAA Division II All-American honors.[1]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Girtz started his professional career in 2008. He fought mainly for local promotions such as Brutaal Fight Night and Cage Fighting Xtreme.
Girtz made his promotional debut against Michel Quinones on November 9, 2012, at Bellator 80. He won via unanimous decision (29-28, 29–28, 29–28).[3]
Girtz was expected to face Treston Thomison on June 19, 2013, at Bellator 96. However, Thomison was replaced by Derek Campos due to undisclosed reasons.[4] He lost via unanimous decision.[5]
Girtz faced Poppies Martinez on October 4, 2013, at Bellator 102. He won via submission due to an armbar early in the first round.[6]
Just two weeks after his last fight, Girtz replaced Cole Williams against Mike Estus on October 18, 2013, at Bellator 104.[7] Once again he won via submission due to an armbar in the first round.[8]
Girtz was expected to rematch Derek Campos in the quarterfinal match of Bellator season ten lightweight tournament on March 21, 2014, at Bellator 113.[9] However, his opponent was changed and he faced Derek Anderson. He lost the fight via knockout due to a knee in the second round.
Girtz faced Benny Madrid at Bellator 126 on September 26, 2014.[10] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.
Girtz faced Derek Campos in a third fight at Bellator 181 on July 14, 2017. He lost the rubber match by TKO via doctor stoppage at the end of the second round due to cut on Girtz's forehead caused by a Campos knee.[13]
Girtz was supposed to face UFC veteran Jon Tuck at Bellator 227 but Girtz was forced to pull out due to injury.[14]
On April 19, 2021, it was announced that Girtz was released by Bellator.[16]
Bare knuckle boxing
Girtz made his BKFC debut at BKFC 31 on October 15, 2022 against UFC veteran Jake Lindsey. Girtz was defeated from a doctor stoppage due to a cut in the second round.
Girtz returned at BKFC 41 on April 29, 2023 against Christian Torres. Girtz won via first-round TKO.
Girtz fought again at BKFC 67 against UFC veteran Cameron Van Camp on October 25, 2024. Girtz lost a back-and-forth fight via split decision.
